The Good Shepherd and Our Place

Second Sunday of Easter

First Edition

Gospel of John 10:11–16 The Good Shepherd

Jesus says:

“I am the good shepherd, the true shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the true shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he leaves the flock and flees. The wolf catches the sheep and scatters the flock, because the hired hand does not care for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and they know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. I also have other sheep that are not of this fold, and I must feed them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:11–16 First Edition)

The Shepherd and the Sheep

The Gospel parable of the good shepherd is familiar and easy to understand. In the Gospel of John (John 10:11–16), Jesus presents himself as the good shepherd. This image has been present in our hearts and minds since childhood. We are used to seeing Jesus holding a shepherd’s staff in his hands. But the important question is: do we all belong to Jesus’ flock? This question opens the opportunity to examine what Jesus means by his flock.

Jesus’ flock is scattered throughout the world and sometimes divided. Throughout history, Christendom has split in many directions as different denominations have sought to find their own right. Our humanity has caused division, which often gives a negative image of Christianity. How can we know that we belong to the right flock? Jesus mentions two important signs in this regard.

Jesus Knows the Sheep

The first sign that we belong to Jesus’ flock is that He knows the sheep. In Jesus’ time, the sheep were driven into fenced-off sheepfolds at night. There could be hundreds of sheep belonging to different shepherds in the same fold. In the morning, each shepherd returned to the fold and knew his own sheep. Jesus still does this, taking care of his own. He knows us by name. Each of us has been baptized into His name, and baptism is an important sacrament for us. Jesus says: “I have called you by name, and you are mine.” This simple phrase brings peace to the heart, no matter how difficult life is. Many believers feel God’s presence in their prayers. This shows how Jesus knows us and how knowing Him can bring peace in the challenges of our lives.

Knowing the Shepherd’s Voice

Another sign that we belong to Jesus’ flock is that we know the shepherd’s voice. Jesus said: “My sheep know me.” Sheep follow the voice of their shepherd. This means that we must be ready to hear the voice of Jesus. As we live according to God’s will, we can hear the voice of the Good Shepherd in many ways. It can come from the words of the Bible, in prayer, or in surprising moments when the Lord speaks to our hearts. Often it is a quiet and reassuring voice that guides us in the right direction. The Good Shepherd died for all evil and bore our sins, but he rose from the dead and lives. His sacrifice and love are still present in our lives.

The Flock Scattered in Different Directions

It is important to acknowledge that Christendom is divided into different directions and camps. This division is not only geographical, but also theological. Different denominations interpret the Bible differently, which causes disagreements. The diversity of the Christian community can be both a richness and a challenge. It can be confusing for both believers and outsiders. Is Christianity really one community if so many of its parts are isolated from each other? This question requires reflection and understanding.

While disagreements and divisions are a reality, the flock of Jesus still exists. As individuals, we can choose to live in communion with other believers who share the same goals and values. The more we invest in love and understanding, the less division can grow.

Seeking Connection

There are many ways to seek connection with other believers. Participating in church activities is one way we can share the challenges of faith and life. In prayer and in shared events, experiences emphasize faith and trust in God. Another way is to delve into the teachings of the Bible. When we study God’s Word together, we discover new perspectives and can build understanding between different denominations. The power of the Bible to change hearts has been proven in many lives.

Marks of a Christian

What unites us to the flock of Jesus and makes us true Christians? We can find answers in the teachings of Jesus. First, love is central. When we love one another, we follow Jesus’ example and recognize His voice. Second, faith in God’s grace is important. We are all sinners, but in God’s grace we are forgiven. This gracious acceptance enables us to forgive one another. Finally, connection with God is vital. Through prayer, Bible study, and following God’s will, we can deepen our relationship with Christ. As we know Him better, it is easier to hear His voice.

Growing in Consciousness

Recognizing our place in Jesus’ flock is important. When was the last time we stopped to think about how strongly we are connected to Jesus? We can ask ourselves: do we hear His voice in our daily lives and follow Him? Growing in awareness is not a transient process; it takes time. Questions help us to deepen our understanding: What distracts me from God? What is my prayer life like? Are there people around me who support me in my faith? By reflecting on these questions, we can return to Jesus and find new ways to be in His flock.

Final reflection

Jesus’ good shepherd knows each of us individually. We can learn to know His voice. Even though Christianity is divided in different directions, we have the opportunity to live in connection with one another and resolve differences in a loving way. As we want to grow in the knowledge of God, we also learn to know ourselves and each other better. This is the path that leads us to communion in Jesus Christ, in a world that needs a message of hope and love. Welcome to the fold of Jesus, the shelter of the Good Shepherd, where we can grow in strength and connection with one another. May this post be a reminder of how important the marks are and how we can find our place in His fold. Fellowship and love make us more than just individual sheep; they make us a family that follows the Good Shepherd.