Devotion for May 2, 2022

John 10:22-30
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

“Mary” She heard his voice and responded, “Rabbouni!”

“Peace be with you.” The disciples, and eventually Thomas too, heard these words from Jesus and it taught them to forgive and be forgiven. It taught them to heal and be healed.

“Cast your nets to the other side.” Peter recognized the voice of the one performing a miracle with the fish.

Jesus’ faithful know his voice and follow him. His response to people trying to trap him was to point them towards the very ones who follow him. It seems that the charge remains the same to us today. Being faithful requires us to listen for his voice, to thoughtfully discern it, and to follow him. May our hearts be attuned to the voice of Jesus, not because we seek a reward in heaven, but because we are living the life required of us in Jesus’ name.

Monday’s devotion is brought to you by Campbell University’s Center for Church & Community.