Hearing the shepherd’s voice gives us the ability to discern and leads to life.
Jesus is clear. He is the gate through which people are saved. You can’t enter through a backdoor. You can’t enter through a hole in the pen. You absolutely can’t enter following the voice of someone other than Jesus. Jesus is specifically referencing false teaching in this passage. He calls false teachers “thieves and robbers.” It is only Jesus that provides life and life to the fullest.
What does it mean to have “life and have it to the full?”
It means eternal life. Jesus discussed this with the “I am the bread of life” and “I am light of the world” statements. Yet, it also means full life now. A life of purpose, life as God intends it, now.
You might have voices describing the full life …
- Commercial: You need this car
- Advertising: You need this pair of jeans
- Spouse: You need to make more money
- Voice in your head: You need to be recognized
These voices are thieves and robbers. These voices and these things do not lead to life. On the other hand …
- God: You need to be faithful to my voice.
A sheep that is obedient to the shepherd is well-fed, well-protected, and content. A disciple that is obedient to the Shepherd’s voice is full of life because they know there is no better place to be.
May you hear the Shepherd’s voice.
May you gain the ability to discern.
May you have life and have it to the full.