Devotions this week are based on Week 4 How Would You Answer (WATCH HERE)
John 10:1-10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.
The picture almost feels too simple for such a big question, “How do I know what’s true?” One could lay out quantifiable elements to discern truth. One could spend hours of research across primary and secondary sources. One could interview multiple people…all in the search for the truth.
But Jesus lays out the simple reality. Sheep recognize truth because they recognize the voice of their shepherd. They do not analyze every sound. They do not debate which voice is best. They follow the one they know.
“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:3–4).
This is how Jesus answers the question of truth. Truth is not first something you figure out. It is someone you learn to recognize.
We often approach truth like a puzzle. We gather opinions, compare ideas, and try to come to the right conclusion. But Jesus shifts the focus from information to relationship. The sheep follow because they know the shepherd.
Think about how you recognize a familiar voice in a crowded place. You do not need to stop and think about it. You simply know. That recognition comes from time spent together.
The same is true with Jesus. The more time you spend with Him, the more clearly you recognize what sounds like Him and what does not. His voice becomes familiar through Scripture, prayer, and walking daily with Him..
In John 10:14, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” This is deeply personal. You are not just learning about Him. You are being known by Him.
That changes how we pursue truth. It means the goal is not to master every argument. The goal is to stay close to the Shepherd.
Application for today is simple. Do not try to solve everything at once. Instead, spend time listening. Open Scripture. Sit quietly in prayer. Ask Jesus to help you recognize His voice. The more you stay near Him, the clearer truth becomes.
Reflect: Where am I trying to figure things out instead of staying close to Jesus? What would it look like to listen before deciding?
Prayer: Jesus, help me to know Your voice. Draw me closer so that I recognize You above all others. Lead me step by step in Your truth. Amen.