The Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr.

Today’s Gospel: John 10:1-18

In the passage for today, Jesus continues a conversation with the crowd that had assembled. It is clear as he shares with this crowd that Jesus desires to clarify his life’s purpose and deepen the faith relationship of those that claim to believe in God. As Jesus speaks, he lifts the relationship between the shepherd and the shepherd’s sheep. Living in that day, this was a relationship many would have been familiar with and could appreciate as they could relate to the bond of trust that existed between the shepherd and sheep. The relationship between the sheep and the shepherd was one of intimate knowledge because of the time spent together and the experiences shared. The sheep were able to recognize the shepherd’s voice. Jesus makes this clear by stating; “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.”

Throughout my life, and especially before caller-ID, I have received numerous phone calls from persons disguising their voice in order to pass themselves off as another or pretend there was a significant level of relationship. This is the experience of so many of us today as we encounter sales call after sales call. There are those who call with a “first name” level of familiarity seeking to open a door and draw you in. There are others who communicate as if we have spoken before, recalling an encounter that never occurred or simply stating that I should recognize the voice. Time and time again the purpose of the deception was to get something from me. Jesus wanted those that would follow him to get to know him and have such an intimate relationship that they would recognize the shepherds voice. Jesus did not come to get something from his followers but he came to give something to his followers. Today, I pray you hear his voice clarifying and communicating, that He came that we may have life, and have it abundantly.

Leonard+

I want Jesus to walk with me, I want Jesus to walk with me, All along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. In my trials, Lord, walk with me, In my trials, Lord, walk with me, When the shades of life are falling, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

–“I Want Jesus to Walk With Me”
African-American Spiritual