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In John 10, we find Jesus the Good Shepherd, who came to seek and save the lost. He died for the sin of the world and offers salvation to all the world. He says there is only one entrance, but it is wide enough for all who want to enter.
And for those who come to Him, Jesus explains in the most precise possible way how to know you are one of His sheep. In our text this morning we find Jesus using an unusual description for His sheep, He says they are marked in the ear and the foot in John 10:27.
Ancient shepherds used to mark their sheep to avoid confusion as flocks merged at watering holes. They had a unique nick on their ears or a brand painted on their sides. Jesus tells us He has two marks on each of us who belong to Him.
In John 10, Jesus identifies believers as His sheep. Two identifying markers show Christ’s ownership. When we are true believers, we have Christ’s marks on our ears and on our feet. Jesus tells us, “My sheep hear my voice (that is a mark on the ear), and they follow me (that is the mark of the foot). Christ’s sheep hear and follow. Do you know this morning that you belong to Jesus? You can, just listen and follow Him. Just get marked in the ear and the foot.
Please join me in John 10 as I read v. 7-11 and 25-30.
Being Christ’s sheep means I learn to WALK CHRIST’S PATH INSTEAD OF MINE – Instead of being one of the crowd, I am willing to be singled out, set apart from the gang. Most of us are like sheep, we want to belong. We don’t want to be different in a profound, distinctive way, though we may wish to be different in minor details that appeal to our selfish egos! But Christ pointed out that only a few would find His way acceptable. And to be marked as one of His would mean a certain amount of criticism and sarcasm from a cynical society. Many of us don’t want this. Just as He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, so we may be. Instead of adding to the sorrows and sadness of society, we may be called on to help bear some of the burdens of others, to enter into the suffering of others. Are we ready to do this?
So being Christ’s sheep means I GET MARKED IN THE EAR AND FOOT – Instead of choosing my own way, I am willing to follow Christ’s way: to do what He asks me to do. This basically is simple, straightforward obedience. It means I do what He asks me to do. I go where He invites me to go. I say what He instructs me to say. I act and react in the manner He maintains is in my best interest and for His reputation (if I’m His follower). Most of us possess much factual information on what the Master expects of us.
Few have the will, intention, or determination to act on it and comply with His instructions. But the person who decides to do what God asks him has moved onto fresh ground, which will do both him and others a world of good. Besides, it will please the Good Shepherd no end. God wants us all to move on with Him. He wants us to walk with Him.
He wants it for our welfare, the benefit of others, and His dear reputation. Perhaps some think He expects too much of us. Maybe they feel the demands are too drastic. Some may even consider His call impossible to carry out. It would be if we depended on self-determination or self-discipline to succeed. But if we are in earnest about wanting to do His will, and to be led, He makes this possible by His own gracious Spirit who is given to those who obey (Acts 5:32).
For it is He who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2: 13) . Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak regarding need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 1 Timothy 6:8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
Welcome to the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
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