It is not good to hear ourselves described as sheep. Sheep are silly animals that follow each other blindly and do not act or think for themselves. This however is not the imagery intended when Jesus invites us to be ‘his flock’, rather his is asking us to think of him as our ‘good shepherd’.

The voice of Jesus the good shepherd is the one that offers us spiritual sustenance, guidance, love and protection. Jesus wants us to recognise his voice as the one who addresses what we are and what we stand for. Key to a healthy spiritual life is an overriding commitment to hearing the word of God and applying it to one’s own life, but in a world of competing values can we always recognise the voice of Jesus?

The trick is to know that Jesus’ voice is everywhere that encourages us to impact our world as Christians. Jesus’ voice is the voice at work that encourages us to do our best. Jesus is the voice that encourages us to respond to family members and the wider community who are in need. Jesus’ voice is the voice that tells us how to vote and how to  campaign for those who do not have a voice of their own. The voice of the impostor on the other hand is everywhere that encourages us to act out of self-interest and greed.   Sadly, this has to be an over simplification. What seems to be the right answer for one person might be completely different for someone else. How is it that armies can fight each other, each believing that God is on their side? How is it that so many different denominations can interpret Jesus’ words differently, each believing that they have got it right? How, throughout centuries of history, could heads of states have made such bitter and cruel decisions in God’s name?

Clearly, recognising the voice of our shepherd isn’t an easy task. Recognising the voice of our shepherd takes discernment, practice and continual self-evaluation. Have we all been doing the same things in the same way year in and year out? Is there anything we could be doing better?  Recognising the voice of our shepherd  relies on what we  already know from scripture, and not what we fondly imagine Jesus might be telling us. Most importantly,   recognising Jesus must always be rooted  securely in the love for each other and in love for our enemies. If we adhere to this important commandment, then surely Jesus will find us, whoever we are. Being part of Jesus’ flock is certainly not for the ‘sheep’; it’s for those with discerning ears