I promise we shall move on after this week. Taking in yet another’s point of view on these verses here is Bishop J. C. Ryle. I pray that we still are refreshed, that we may come in our true ignorance and leave taught by His grace and mercy.
Extra Credit: Reaching way back into the archives I found this on Human Guidance by Octavius Winslow. I thought it may fit as we have been looking at the guidance of the Shepherd, this points out the fallacy in looking to human guidance.
Jhn 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
Jhn 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Discussion Forum: Why did they follow Him?
The expression, "My sheep," points to the close connection that exists between Christ and believers. They are His by gift from the Father, His by purchase, His by calling and choice, and His by their own consent and heart-submission. In the highest sense they are Christ's property; and just as a man feels a special interest in that which he has bought at a great price and made his own, so does the Lord Jesus feel a peculiar interest in His people.
Expressions like these should be carefully treasured up in the memories of true Christians. They will be found cheering and heart-strengthening in days of trial. The world may see no beauty in the ways of a godly man, and may often pour contempt on him. But he who knows that he is one of Christ's sheep has no cause to be ashamed. He has within him a "well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14.)
By J. C. Ryle.
