When the Lord Jesus spoke these words, there were religious people all around, but were they Christ’s sheep? This was the all-important question. There was “the hireling” too and “the thief”—“the stranger” and “the wolf,” but oh, how different they were from the good Shepherd! We must not forget that there are still many sheep round about us who are very dear to the heart of Jesus. He calls His sheep “His own sheep.” He said, “The good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” What amazing love!
One characteristic of Christ’s sheep is that they hear His voice. No matter who may be the instrument, the question with them is, Is it Christ’s voice? “They know not the voice of strangers,” but the Shepherd’s voice they know well. When Paul went to Thessalonica, they received his testimony because it was God’s truth. They were not taken up with the servant, but with the message that he brought. In it they heard the voice of the good Shepherd, who laid down His life for the sheep. They therefore turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivered them from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:9-109For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:9‑10)).
When Paul went to the polished citizens of Corinth, he did not use “enticing words of man’s wisdom.” “I determined,” said he, “not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:22For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)). Thus they heard the voice of Jesus the good Shepherd through Paul.
The question is, What is the Lord Jesus, who is seated on the right hand of God in the heavens, saying now? If He were now to speak in an audible voice, would it not be, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life?” (John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)). The believer looks up to heaven, listens to His Word, and receives His testimony. Many know the way of salvation, but have not received Christ as their Savior. “Ye believe not,” said Jesus, “because ye are not of My sheep” (John 10:2626But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. (John 10:26)).
Christ knows His sheep, and the acquaintance is mutual. “He knoweth them that trust in Him” (Nah. 1:77The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. (Nahum 1:7)). Many a professor will come in that day, saying, “Have we not prophesied in Thy name?” But Jesus will say to them, “I never knew you: depart from Me.” They never had any acquaintance with Christ; they were never His sheep.
Another feature in Christ’s sheep is that they follow Christ. This is not following creeds or ordinances, but Christ. It is not following men, however godly they may be, but only inasmuch as they are following Christ. This Satan hates and tries to hinder, but Christ has left us an example that we should follow His steps. We are kept here for no other object than to follow Christ. This marks Christ’s sheep. Are we searching the Scriptures to find out His steps, that we may follow Him? Are we, through honor and dishonor, seeking only to please Him? It does not say we ought to do so, but that we do follow Christ. This shows us to be Christ’s sheep.
Mark the Security of Christ’s Sheep
First, they have everlasting life. “I give unto them eternal life.” “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)). Eternal life, then, comes to us in the way of gift. It is not life for a day or a year, but forever ― eternal life. Your life is hid with Christ in God. Christ is our life. Christ is the Giver; the sinner, the receiver. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:3636He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)).
Second, “They shall never perish.” What perfect rest and peace this gives the soul! He is faithful that promised; He cannot deny Himself. The true believer need have no misgiving as to the future. He who is almighty in power and perfect in love says, “They shall never perish.” Observe, it is absolute and unconditional: “They shall never perish.” What more can we need to give us perfect rest of soul?
Third, “Neither shall any pluck them out of My hand.” The word “man” is in italics. It shows us that no power shall be able to separate us from Christ’s keeping. What perfect security this gives! Surely it is a threefold cord that can never be broken.
All dear children of God do not enter into the joy of these precious realities. They read men’s books and embrace men’s opinions, instead of going only to the Scriptures for God’s mind and resting on His precious words about Jesus, which can never pass away.
H. H. Snell, The Evangelist, Vol. 1, 1867 (adapted)