John 10:5
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
John 10:5 (KJV)
Context
The Gospel of John, chapter 10, records Jesus’ teachings on the Good Shepherd. In this chapter, Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep to describe the relationship between himself and his followers. In the immediate context, Jesus explains that the sheep know the shepherd’s voice, he calls them by name, and he leads them out. The stranger, by contrast, is one who does not know Christ, is not sent by him, and does not preach him.
Meaning
In John 10:5, Jesus describes the sheep’s response to a stranger: they will not follow him, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers. The sheep recognize that the stranger is not their shepherd and run away from him. They instinctively discern the voice of the shepherd they trust from that of strangers. The reason for their flight is that they do not know the stranger’s voice; they do not approve of his doctrine, take no delight in it, and receive no profit from it. This emphasizes that the sheep have a personal knowledge and connection with their shepherd’s voice, and they have learned to distinguish it from unfamiliar voices.
Biblical connections
In this analogy, Jesus presents himself as the Good Shepherd who cares for and guides his followers, contrasting himself with false leaders or false teachers who are like strangers to the sheep. The sheep’s behavior is a model for believers: they are to follow Christ alone and flee from those who are not sent by him. The verse highlights the importance of knowing Jesus’ voice and following him faithfully. As his followers, we are encouraged to develop an intimate relationship with him through prayer, studying his Word (the Bible), and being led by the Holy Spirit.
Application
The imagery of the sheep recognizing their shepherd’s voice teaches us to discern between the voice of truth (Jesus) and the voice of falsehood (strangers or false teachers). We should be cautious and discerning in our spiritual journey, seeking guidance from God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. To cultivate intimacy with Jesus, spend time in prayer and study of the Bible to deepen your relationship with him. The more you know his voice through the Scriptures, the better you will discern his leading in your life. Test the messages or teachings you encounter against the truth of God’s Word, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in distinguishing between genuine spiritual guidance and misleading voices. Stay alert and cautious, especially when encountering teachings or ideologies that contradict the foundational truths of the Christian faith. Seek guidance from mature believers and engage in fellowship with a local church community.
Reflection
John 10:5 is part of a larger passage that contains rich teachings about Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Take the time to read and meditate on the entire chapter to gain a deeper understanding of this beautiful analogy and its significance for your life as a follower of Christ.
