READING: John 9-10
I find it striking that the religious leaders of Jesus’ day accused him of being demon possessed. It’s striking not only because they were obviously wrong, but also because they did not recognize their own blindness to the truth. Those leaders who were accusing Jesus of following the devil were, in fact, following him themselves. They were more blind than the blind man in John 9 even while they thought they could see.
Some, though, understood that Jesus surely was not possessed: “But others said, ‘These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?'” (John 9:21). No, Jesus was not demon-possessed. He was the the Prophet of whom Moses spoke, the One who could heal the blind with a handful of mud and a little bit of spit. He was the good Shepherd who “lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). More specifically, He knows His sheep “by name” (John 10:3).
Let that last thought sink in a bit. Jesus made all that is made. He’s the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity. Already in John’s Gospel, He has worked the signs of changing water into wine, healing a son, healing a disabled man, feeding 5000+ people, walking on water, and healing a man born blind. He’s a miracle worker . . . and yet He knows me by name.
I am one of the millions of believers in the world, but Jesus Christ knows me by name. He guarantees me eternal life (John 10:28-29), and He will know me by name when I enter heaven. Until then, when I cry out to Him for help, He recognizes my voice. He knows the sound of my sobs when I’m hurting and the echoes of my questions when I’m struggling. He knows exactly where I am when the wolf seeks to attack me. When I wander from the fold, I hear Him calling me back.
“Chuck, Chuck!” He says. Me. Specifically me. Personally. By name.
I know His voice, and it’s a voice of love.
ACTION STEPS:
- Meditate on this truth for a few moments: Jesus knows you by name.
- Jesus laid down His life for you. Do something for Him today that costs you. Make a choice to sacrifice for Him.
PRAYER: “Jesus, thank You for being my Shepherd. Thank You for putting me in Your fold.”
TOMORROW’S READING: John 11-12