How Well Do You Know the Good Shepherd?

By Pat Kempf

John 10:14-15  “I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me,even as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” NAS

The Greek word ginosko that is translated "know" in verses 14 and 15 means to know experientially in contrast to the Greek word eido, which is to know intuitively.

Ginosko also means to have sexual relations, and is used in Matthew 1:25  "And knew her not till she had brought forth her first born son and he called his name Jesus."  In some translations "knew her not" is translated "virgin". You can see this also in Luke 1:34.  This speaks of intimate knowledge of the other person.

Ginosko also means" to perceive, to know and understand".  Webster’s Dictionary defines perceive as:  "to attain awareness or understanding of, and, to become aware of through the senses, especially see or observe".

Jesus speaks of knowing his own, as a shepherd knows his sheep.  The job of a shepherd was to spend all his time with the sheep, taking care of them.  Keeping them close to him, leading them to places to rest, to eat, to drink, protecting them from all harm, keeping them safe.

In John 10:27 Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice, and I ginosko them, and they follow me.” Just like the shepherd in the field speaks to his sheep, and because they are so familiar with him, they follow after him.  If you have ever been on a farm or ranch with cattle or sheep, you soon discover that you can’t herd sheep like you herd cattle.  Sheep must be lead, you can’t get behind them and drive them in the direction you want like cattle, sheep need someone in front leading them along the path, calling to them, coaxing them along. 

So the question is, if I belong to Him, the good shepherd, do I spend enough time with Him to get to know Him?  He knows me, if I have received Him, and have given my life to Him.  But am I living my life dependently upon Him?  Do I ginosko Him enough to trust Him with my life?  Do I seek Him and stay close to him, and listen to His voice?  Do I let Him lead me?

Is my relationship with Him, like His relationship with His Father?  Do I spend time with Him early in the morning, or in the evenings when I can get away alone with Him, away from the distractions around me, to be with Him?  Do I get involved in doing what He is doing? (John 5:19-20)   Do I speak and say what He tells me to? (John 12:49-50) 

Is my relationship such, that the Father shows me what He is doing?  Is my relationship so close that He can trust me to say what He wants said? 

Think about these questions and ponder their significance in your life. 

Let’s Pray:  Lord, I confess that I am not as close to you as I want to be.  I ask you to forgive me for my lack of discipline.  I want a deeper more intimate relationship with you.  I desire to hear your voice clearly, that I might follow you according to your plan and purpose for my life.  I confess that I don’t have all the answers, and I ask you to forgive me for the times that I have leaned on my own understanding, instead of seeking you or trusting you.  I ask for an increase in my measure of faith.  I want to be faithful to you.  I want to be found trustworthy, that you might share your heart with me.  In the precious Name of Jesus I humbly ask these things.     Amen

John 10:14-15  “I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, even as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep"  NAS

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