My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
“listen” = “hear” (KJV) = to use the faculties for hearing, not just to possess such faculties. There is a sense of listening and acting upon what is heard.
“I know them” is unexpected; we would expect to see “they know Me,” but it is the knowledge that Jesus has of his sheep that is important.
“they follow me” is in the present tense and could be rendered “they keep on following me”. This is the habit of His sheep. Note that Jesus is like the Eastern shepherds who go ahead of their flock instead of driving them. Jesus never expects us to go where He has not already been.
Jesus gives three attributes of one of His sheep here:
- His sheep listen to Him.
- He knows His sheep. He has particular regard for each individual sheep (Psalms 34:6).
Psalms 34:6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. - His sheep follow Him.
How well do you fit the attributes of a sheep belonging to Jesus?