Today’s reading is John 10:1-15 from The Message, which opens with Jesus speaking truth. May you hear the voice of your Shepherd as I read his words in this episode of the Believe & Speak podcast.

According to John 10:3 Jesus “calls his own sheep by name.” Jesus knows your name, my friend. I want us to believe and speak that precious promise. Jesus, the Great Shepherd knows you personally. He says in John 10:14, “I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me.”

I’ve mentioned before that The Message version of Scripture is an interpretation rather than a direct translation of the original manuscripts. I love how The Message words this in verse 15. “I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary.”

Jesus knew he would have to lay down his life. He knew his sacrifice was necessary. Even as he told this precious story about how much the sheep mean to the shepherd, Jesus knew that he was going to willingly lay down his life so that we could live with him eternally.

Even if you haven’t yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, he knows you. He knows everything about you, and he loves you enough to die for you. The Bible says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NLT)

How I pray you won’t be ravaged and scattered by the wolf when you can come to Jesus and find safe pasture. The Good Shepherd is calling you by name even now. He wants to give you a better life than you ever dreamed of. Listen for His voice and let him lead you. He will keep you safe, my friend.

Last week, I mentioned I’d make an exciting announcement today, and here it is! My book, Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance is now available as an audiobook!

Read about how the recording project came to be, and visit my website for more information about my audiobook.

 

Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance is available for purchase on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, Booksamillion.com and Christianbook.com. It’s also available for download to your Kindle or from the Apple store for your iBooks app. Or visit my website to purchase a copy at shawnamariebryant.com

Enjoy this 10-Day Reading Plan on the YouVersion Bible App

This week's scripture: John 10:1-15