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In a world buzzing with noise—social media debates, conflicting news, and endless opinions—it’s easy to lose sight of truth. I’ve been reflecting on John 10:19-30, where Jesus faced a crowd divided over who He was. Some called Him a madman or demon-possessed; others pointed to His miracles, like opening the eyes of the blind, and wondered, “Can a devil do that?” (John 10:21). The division back then feels strikingly familiar today, doesn’t it? People still argue over Jesus’ identity—Is He God, a teacher, a myth?—and the cacophony can drown out His voice. But I’ve come to realize that the only way to find clarity is to listen to the Good Shepherd Himself and trust Him as Savior.

The Noise of Division

The Jews in John 10 were split. Some dismissed Jesus, saying, “He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?” (John 10:20). Others countered, pointing to His works as evidence of something divine. This wasn’t new—throughout His ministry, people debated His claims. I see the same thing today. Scroll through X or YouTube, and you’ll find endless arguments: some say Jesus was just a man, others twist His identity to fit political agendas, and some even question if He was Jewish. It’s exhausting. I’ve caught myself getting sucked into these debates, looking for answers in the wrong places—social media, books, or “experts” who claim to have it all figured out.

I think of the Samaritan woman in John 4. She went to the well alone, avoiding the judgmental chatter of her village. She was tired of the noise, the division, the chaos. Sound familiar? I’ve had moments where I just wanted to escape the world’s opinions. But here’s what struck me: when she met Jesus at the well, she found someone who spoke truth. She didn’t need the village’s approval or the latest hot take. She listened to Him, and her unbelief turned to faith. That’s the challenge for us: to shut out the noise and hear Jesus’ voice.

Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). It’s such a simple yet profound statement. To be His sheep, I have to hear His voice above the clamor. But how? I’ve found that diving into Scripture, especially the Gospel of John, is a good start. Jesus told the Jews, “I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me” (John 10:25). He’s already revealed who He is—through His words, His miracles, His death, and His resurrection. Yet, like the Jews, I can miss it if I’m too busy listening to the Pharisees of our day—those loud voices that sow doubt.

I’ve been challenged to try something practical: read the Gospel of John, start to finish, without distractions. No X, no news, no “expert” commentaries. Just me and the Word. I believe that when I focus on Jesus’ voice—His claims to be the Good Shepherd, His sacrifice for His sheep—clarity comes. It worked for the Samaritan woman. She heard Jesus say, “I that speak unto thee am he” (John 4:26), and her life changed. She went from avoiding her community to running back to tell them, “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (John 4:29).

The Blessings of Belief

When I choose to hear Jesus’ voice and believe, incredible blessings follow. In John 10:27-30, Jesus outlines three that have reshaped my perspective:

  1. A Personal Relationship: Jesus says, “I know them, and they follow me.” I’m not just a face in the crowd; He knows me. I’ve learned that sheep recognize their shepherd’s voice because of a bond of trust. Jesus leads me to green pastures, even through dark valleys, and promises to be with me (Psalm 23:4). That’s a relationship I can lean into.

  2. Eternal Life and Security: Jesus declares, “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28). No one can take my salvation away—not my doubts, not my failures, not the world’s chaos. I’m held in the hands of Jesus and the Father, who is greater than all. That’s security I can rest in.

  3. Assurance of His Divinity: Jesus concludes, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). He’s not just a teacher or a prophet—He’s God. This truth anchors my faith. No matter what the world says, I trust the One who created it all, the Alpha and Omega.

Sharing the Shepherd’s Voice

Believing in Jesus isn’t the end of the journey; it’s the beginning. The Samaritan woman didn’t keep her discovery to herself—she ran to her village to share it. I’m challenged to do the same. There are people around me—friends, family, coworkers—who are caught in the same division and unbelief I once faced. They need someone who’s heard Jesus’ voice to point them to Him. Maybe it’s inviting them to church, sharing what Jesus has done in my life, or even responding to a comment on social media with grace and truth.

I’ve been reflecting on this: when was the last time I invited someone to hear about Jesus? It’s easy to stay comfortable, assuming unbelievers will find their way. But Jesus calls me to be His witness, to testify about the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. I want to be like the Samaritan woman, boldly saying, “Come, see a man.”

A Call to Action

If you’re still wrestling with who Jesus is, I invite you to take a step: read the Gospel of John, free from the world’s noise. Focus on His words and works—His miracles, His death, His resurrection. Consider the possibility that He is who He says: the Good Shepherd, God Himself, who loves you enough to die for you. Will you believe?

For those of us who already follow Him, let’s ask ourselves: who in our lives needs to hear His voice? Let’s commit to sharing the truth, inviting others to church, and living as witnesses of the One who knows us, secures us, and reigns as God.

In a divided world, Jesus’ voice cuts through the noise. Let’s listen, believe, and share.