John 10:4

Throughout the scriptures, Christ is known by many names and holds many titles. In the tenth chapter of John, Christ calls himself the good shepherd (John 10:14). In Christ’s time shepherd’s were much more than sheep sitters.

A shepherd would spend every minute of every day with his flock. Their responsibilities included defending his sheep. This is explained in verses 11 through 13, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.”

In the role of protector, the true shepherd earns the trust of the flock. So much that not only does the shepherd know the sheep, but the shepherd is known of their sheep as well (John 10:14). The sheep of the flock learn to recognize and respond to the voice of their true shepherd while ignoring others’ calls. This way, the sheep will quickly follow the commands of the true shepherd, while ignoring the calls of thieves.

This relationship becomes increasingly relevant when considering our responsibility as fishers of men. The Lord has stated, “Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out” (Ezek. 34:11). Only the voice of the good shepherd will bring His sheep into the fold. This is another reason that living a truly Christian lifestyle is essential to our success as fishers of men. If we don’t look like Him, if we don’t sound like Him, if we don’t speak like Him, His sheep are going to recognize the differences, and even though what they are saying may be true, the sheep just won’t follow.