Every day we are surrounded by countless voices. Some come from our family, friends, coworkers, and leaders, while others come from the world around us—through media, culture, and society. These voices influence our decisions, shape our thoughts, and direct our actions. But amidst all these voices, there is one voice that stands above the rest: the voice of Jesus, our Good Shepherd.
Jesus tells us in John 10:4, "the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." This statement is both simple and profound. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, speaks to His sheep, and they know His voice. But in the noisy world we live in, recognizing His call isn’t always easy. With so many distractions, temptations, and influences competing for our attention, it can be challenging to hear and distinguish the Shepherd’s voice.
As believers, recognizing the Shepherd’s call is essential for living a life of faith, obedience, and purpose. But how do we recognize His voice among the many? How do we know when He is speaking to us, guiding us, and calling us to follow Him? In this sermon, we will explore how to develop spiritual discernment, grow in intimacy with Jesus, and cultivate a life that is sensitive to the voice of the Shepherd.
We will examine five key aspects of recognizing the Shepherd's call: its personal nature, its consistency with Scripture, its gentle authority, its peace, and the intimacy required to know it. By the end of this message, my prayer is that you will be more equipped to hear and recognize the voice of Jesus, so you can follow Him with confidence and trust.
1. The Shepherd's Voice is Personal
The relationship between a shepherd and his sheep is deeply personal. In biblical times, shepherds didn’t just oversee their flocks from a distance. They walked with them, lived with them, and cared for them individually. The sheep weren’t just numbers in a herd—they were known by name, and each one had a unique relationship with the shepherd. Jesus draws on this imagery to describe His relationship with us. He is not a distant, detached leader who barks orders from afar. He is the Good Shepherd who calls each of us by name and knows us intimately.
John 10:3 says, "The sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out." Jesus knows your name. He knows everything about you—your struggles, your victories, your fears, and your dreams. His voice is not some generic command that applies to everyone in the same way. When He speaks, He speaks to you personally, with full knowledge of your situation and heart.
Think about how amazing that is: the God of the universe, the Creator of all things, knows you by name. He speaks to you as an individual, not as part of a crowd. Just as a shepherd knows each of his sheep, their personalities, tendencies, and needs, Jesus knows everything about you and speaks to you in a way that is specific to your life. He knows what you need to hear, and He speaks in a way that is designed to lead you personally.
Psalm 139:1-3 reminds us of this deep, intimate knowledge that God has of each of us: "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off." God knows us inside and out. He understands us better than we understand ourselves, and His voice reflects that intimate knowledge.
Recognizing the Shepherd's call begins with understanding that Jesus speaks to us personally. It’s not a matter of whether He is speaking—it’s a matter of whether we are listening. Many of us struggle to hear His voice, not because He isn’t speaking, but because we haven’t tuned our hearts to listen. When we open our hearts to Jesus, when we make time to sit in His presence, we will hear His voice clearly, not as a distant command, but as a loving, personal call.
Furthermore, Jesus doesn’t just call us by name; He knows what we’re going through. He knows the burdens we carry, the questions we have, and the decisions we’re facing. His voice is full of compassion and wisdom. When we come to Him with our concerns, He speaks to us with clarity, leading us in the way we should go.
His voice is also one of protection. Just as a shepherd protects his sheep from danger, Jesus calls us away from the things that would harm us. He leads us on safe paths, and He warns us when we are straying into dangerous territory. The more we listen to His voice, the more we will recognize His gentle guidance and trust Him to lead us in the right direction.
2. The Shepherd's Call is Consistent with Scripture
One of the most important ways we can recognize the Shepherd’s call is by ensuring that what we hear aligns with Scripture. Jesus will never contradict the Word of God. The Bible is the foundation of truth, and everything we hear must be measured against it. In a world filled with many voices, some of which claim to be from God, Scripture is the ultimate safeguard that helps us discern the truth from deception.
2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." The Bible is God’s inspired Word, and it serves as the standard by which we evaluate everything we hear. When we hear a voice or sense a leading, the first question we must ask is, "Does this align with Scripture?"
There are times when we may feel uncertain about whether what we’re hearing is truly from God or if it’s our own thoughts or the enemy’s deception. In those moments, Scripture serves as a plumb line. God's voice will never lead us in a direction that contradicts what He has already revealed in His Word. The more familiar we are with Scripture, the easier it becomes to recognize the Shepherd’s voice because His voice always aligns with biblical truth.
The Bible provides examples, principles, and commandments that guide us in recognizing the voice of God. Whether it’s in moral decisions, guidance for our personal lives, or direction in ministry, the voice of Jesus will always be consistent with the teachings of the Bible. If we hear something that contradicts the Word of God—no matter how convincing it sounds—we can be sure that it is not the voice of Jesus.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He responded to every temptation by quoting Scripture. Matthew 4:4 records Jesus’ words to Satan: "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Jesus modeled for us the importance of knowing and using Scripture as a defense against deception. When we are rooted in the Word of God, we are equipped to recognize when something is not from Him.
Moreover, the Bible not only helps us discern God’s voice, but it also prepares our hearts to hear it more clearly. Romans 12:2 tells us, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." The renewal of our minds through Scripture transforms our ability to recognize God’s will and hear His voice. As we immerse ourselves in the Word, we become more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and more attuned to the voice of the Shepherd.
Scripture also gives us the confidence to act on what we hear. When we know that what we are hearing is consistent with God’s Word, we can step out in faith, trusting that we are following the voice of Jesus. His voice will always lead us in the paths of righteousness, guiding us according to His good and perfect will.
3. The Shepherd's Call is Gentle, Yet Firm
The voice of the Good Shepherd is characterized by gentleness, but it also carries authority. Jesus doesn’t force or manipulate His sheep; instead, He calls them with a quiet strength that commands respect and obedience. His voice is tender, yet His call is clear and firm. When He speaks, we know that His words are trustworthy, and we are drawn to follow Him, not out of fear or compulsion, but out of love and trust.
One of the best examples of this gentle, yet firm voice is found in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites us to come to Him: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Jesus’ invitation is gentle—He offers rest, peace, and comfort to those who are weary. Yet, at the same time, His call is authoritative. He doesn’t merely suggest that we follow Him; He instructs us to take His yoke upon ourselves and learn from Him.
Jesus doesn’t shout over the noise of the world. He speaks quietly but confidently, knowing that His sheep will respond. The enemy, on the other hand, often tries to force his way into our lives with fear, confusion, and pressure. He pushes us to make decisions hastily, to act out of panic or desperation. But Jesus' voice is different. It is steady, calm, and filled with peace.
Consider the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13. After a great wind, an earthquake, and a fire, Elijah finally hears God’s voice in a gentle whisper. This illustrates that God’s voice often comes not in the loud, dramatic moments, but in the quiet places of our lives. Jesus doesn’t need to raise His voice to get our attention. His authority is inherent, and when He speaks, His sheep recognize the truth and power in His words.
At the same time, while Jesus’ voice is gentle, it is also firm. His call carries the weight of authority, and when He speaks, it requires a response. In John 14:15, Jesus says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." His voice calls us to obedience, not out of fear of punishment, but out of a desire to follow the One who loves us and knows what is best for us.
Obedience to the Shepherd’s voice is not optional. When He calls us, He expects us to follow. But His commands are not burdensome—they are life-giving. When we follow His voice, we experience the abundant life that He promises. His voice leads us to green pastures and still waters, and when we obey, we find rest and peace for our souls.
Moreover, the firmness of Jesus' call reminds us that He will never lead us astray. His authority is rooted in His love for us and His knowledge of what is best for our lives. We can trust His voice because we know that He is leading us toward His good and perfect will. His commands are for our benefit, and when we follow them, we are walking in the path of life.
4. The Shepherd's Call Brings Peace, Not Confusion
Another critical way to recognize the Shepherd’s voice is by the peace it brings. God’s voice always brings clarity, calm, and assurance, while the enemy’s voice is often filled with confusion, fear, and anxiety. 1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us that "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace." When Jesus speaks, His words bring peace to our hearts, even if He is calling us to step out in faith or face difficult challenges.
In contrast, the enemy thrives in chaos. He seeks to overwhelm us with doubt, worry, and confusion, trying to cloud our judgment and make us question what we know to be true. If the voice we are hearing is causing us to feel anxious, fearful, or uncertain, it’s likely not from God. The voice of Jesus brings peace, even in the midst of storms. Just as Jesus calmed the wind and waves with a single command, His voice can calm the storms in our hearts and minds.
Philippians 4:7 reassures us that the peace of God, "which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." This peace is not dependent on our circumstances; it comes from knowing that God is in control and that He is guiding us every step of the way. When we hear the voice of Jesus, we can rest in the assurance that He is leading us with love and care.
It’s important to remember that peace doesn’t mean the absence of difficulty. Sometimes Jesus calls us to walk through challenging situations, but even in those moments, His voice will bring a sense of calm and direction. When we follow the Shepherd’s call, we may still face trials, but we can do so with the confidence that He is with us, guiding us through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4).
If you are struggling to discern whether a voice is from God, examine the fruit it produces in your heart. Does it bring peace, or does it stir up anxiety and confusion? Does it align with the promises of God, or does it make you doubt His goodness and provision? God’s voice will never lead you into fear or despair. Even when He calls you to walk in faith, His voice will always be accompanied by His peace and the promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
Furthermore, the peace that comes with the Shepherd’s voice is a deep, abiding peace that transcends our understanding. It’s not a fleeting feeling of relief, but a profound sense of security and well-being that comes from knowing we are in the care of the Good Shepherd. When we recognize the voice of Jesus and follow Him, we experience this peace in every area of our lives, knowing that He is leading us on the right path.
5. Recognizing the Shepherd’s Call Requires Intimacy
Perhaps the most important aspect of recognizing the Shepherd’s call is intimacy. The sheep follow the shepherd because they know his voice. This knowledge doesn’t come from a casual relationship—it comes from spending time with the shepherd, walking with him daily, and becoming familiar with the sound of his voice. In the same way, the more time we spend in the presence of Jesus, the more we will recognize His voice when He speaks.
John 15:4-5 illustrates the importance of this intimacy: "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." Abiding in Christ means living in close, continual fellowship with Him. It means spending time in prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word. As we abide in Him, we grow in our ability to hear His voice and discern His leading.
Intimacy with Jesus is not something that happens overnight. It requires commitment, time, and intentionality. Just as a relationship with a close friend or spouse deepens over time through shared experiences, our relationship with Jesus deepens as we walk with Him daily. The more we spend time with Him, the more familiar His voice becomes, and the easier it is to recognize when He is speaking.
One of the most powerful ways to cultivate intimacy with Jesus is through prayer. Prayer is not just about bringing our requests to God—it’s about listening to His voice and spending time in His presence. When we make time for prayer, we create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to us and guide us. In those quiet moments of prayer, we become more attuned to the voice of the Shepherd, and we learn to recognize His call more clearly.
Worship is another powerful tool for deepening our intimacy with Jesus. When we worship, we shift our focus away from ourselves and onto God. Worship allows us to experience the presence of God in a profound way, and it helps us cultivate a heart that is sensitive to His voice. Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." As we enter into God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise, we draw closer to Him and become more receptive to His leading.
In addition to prayer and worship, spending time in the Word of God is essential for growing in intimacy with Jesus. The Bible is not just a book of rules or stories—it is the living, active Word of God that reveals His heart and character. As we read and meditate on Scripture, we come to know Jesus more deeply, and we become more familiar with His voice. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword." The more we immerse ourselves in the Word, the more we will recognize the voice of the Shepherd when He speaks.
Intimacy with Jesus is the key to recognizing His call. It’s not just about knowing about Him—it’s about knowing Him personally. When we draw near to Jesus, we will hear His voice with greater clarity and respond to His call with greater confidence.
Close:
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is always speaking to us. His voice is personal, it is consistent with Scripture, it is gentle yet firm, it brings peace, and it is recognized through intimacy. But the question is, are we listening? In the midst of the noise and distractions of life, are we tuning our hearts to recognize the Shepherd’s call?
Today, if you hear the voice of Jesus calling you—whether He is calling you to follow Him for the first time, to recommit your life, or to step into a deeper level of intimacy with Him—don’t hesitate. His voice is calling you by name, and He is inviting you into a relationship of love, peace, and purpose.
Perhaps you’ve never given your life to Christ, and you feel Him calling you today. This is your moment. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for you. He died so that you might live. Will you respond to His call and accept the gift of salvation He offers?
Or maybe you’ve been walking with Jesus, but the noise of life has made it hard to hear His voice clearly. If you feel distant, He is calling you back into His presence. He is inviting you to reconnect with Him, to spend time in His Word and in prayer, and to rediscover the peace that only He can give.
If you’re searching for a church home, a place where you can grow, serve, and be part of a spiritual family, the doors of this church are open wide. We are ready to welcome you and walk with you as you follow the voice of the Shepherd.
And if you need prayer today—if you’re facing trials or uncertainty and you need to hear God’s voice in the midst of it—come and let us pray with you. The Shepherd is here, and He is ready to meet your needs.
Will you respond to the Shepherd’s call? He’s calling your name. Will you follow?
