The Gospel of JohnSample

The Good Shepherd

In this passage, Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd—the One who enters through the gate, calls His sheep by name, and lays down His life for them. Unlike hired hands who abandon the sheep when danger comes, Jesus stays. He protects, guides, and gives His very life so that His sheep can live in safety and freedom.

Jesus’ words are personal: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me” (John 10:14). There’s deep comfort in knowing that Jesus doesn’t just care for the crowd—He knows you by name. He knows your strengths, your struggles, your past, and your potential. He calls you not by your mistakes, but by your true identity in Him.

I remember, even from a young age, feeling misunderstood—like no one really knew who I was. Maybe that’s because I didn’t fully know myself either. But over time, I realized that Jesus knew me better than I knew myself. He saw what I couldn’t see. He knew not only who I was, but who He created me to become.

That’s the beauty of following Jesus. He loves you too much to leave you where you are. He sees the hidden potential, the broken places, and the purpose within you. He calls you forward—not by guilt or pressure, but by His voice of love, truth, and grace. As you listen for His voice and respond, He shapes you into who you were always meant to be—secure, whole, and free in Him.

The world tries to define us by status, performance, or appearance, but Jesus defines us by relationship. You are His. He calls you by name.

Respond to God’s Word:

Find a quiet moment today and spend 5–10 minutes simply listening. Ask Jesus to speak to you. What is He saying about who you are? What is He calling you to lay down or take up? Write down anything you sense—encouragement, correction, or direction. Trust that your Shepherd is speaking, and keep your heart open to His voice throughout the day.