Hearing Jesus Voice
When my Bible is open, I am hearing the voice of my shepherd
At Soul Revival Church this term, we have been exploring the middle of John’s Gospel (ch. 5-12). I remember being struck by John’s literary expertise while studying at Bible College many years ago. Layers upon layers of meaning are tied together with repeated themes and motifs, making this Gospel a work of art.
One theme that has reasserted itself in my imagination while preaching and teaching through this book over the last two months is the division between those who believe (have faith) and those who reject Jesus. Regularly throughout these chapters, John will summarise a section by referring to the many who believed, but just as frequently, you see those who turn away and refuse to come to the light of the world.
If you’ve read or heard anything from me, you’ll likely be familiar with my summary of faith as “knowing, loving and obeying King Jesus”. Therefore, the life of the disciple is to continue in, and grow in, this knowledge, love and obedience.
I’ve got a whole chapter on the theological foundations of faith and discipleship in my book The Child in God’s Church. Read more about the book and find links to purchasing in this article below.
One essential way for a disciple of Jesus to be growing in their knowledge, love and obedience to King Jesus is to listen to him. Jesus says in John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Spending time with Jesus, listening to his voice, communing with him and then following him in the “good works… prepared in advance for us to do” is the very definition of discipleship.
But what does it actually mean to “hear” the voice of Jesus? How do we listen to his voice? This is the question I sought to answer in the sermon below, with a lot of help from Tim Chester’s Enjoying Jesus, and some obscure references to one of the greatest seasons of TV ever made.
If you have any questions about the sermon, or particular practices of Bible reading and prayer that you find fosters your faith, please leave a comment below.