In John 10:14, Jesus proclaims, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” These words are a tender reminder of the intimate relationship Jesus desires with each of us. He knows us completely—our joys, struggles, and even the hidden parts of our hearts. But they also gently challenge us: Do we truly know Him? And if not, are we willing to change to deepen that relationship?
John 10:14 King James Version
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Change is a word that often stirs discomfort. It asks us to reflect, to confront areas of resistance, and to take steps toward growth. Yet, when we consider the context of this verse, we realize that change isn’t about striving for perfection but about aligning our hearts with the loving guidance of our Good Shepherd.
The Good Shepherd’s Knowledge of Us
Jesus’ declaration as the Good Shepherd is filled with reassurance. A shepherd doesn’t merely oversee his flock from afar; he lives among them, guiding, protecting, and nurturing them. Similarly, Jesus knows every detail of our lives—not just the visible parts but also the fears and wounds we try to hide from others.
This knowledge isn’t detached or judgmental; it’s deeply compassionate. He knows what burdens you carry today—whether it’s anxiety about your future, pain from a broken relationship, or guilt over past mistakes. He sees it all and loves you still. As Psalm 23 reminds us, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” His care is constant and complete.
But here’s the other side of this truth: while Jesus knows us fully, He invites us to know Him in return. This isn’t just about intellectual understanding or memorizing facts about Him—it’s about experiencing His presence in a way that transforms our hearts and lives.
Why Change Is Necessary
If Jesus already loves us as we are, why would we need to change? The answer lies in the second part of John 10:14: “My sheep know me.” While His love for us is unconditional, our ability to experience the fullness of that love often requires a shift in how we live and think.
Knowing Jesus means more than acknowledging Him as Savior; it means following Him as Lord. It means trusting His voice above all others—even when it calls us out of our comfort zones or challenges our preconceived notions. This kind of transformation isn’t about earning His love but responding to it with faith and obedience.
Change is necessary because it draws us closer to Him. It allows us to shed old habits, attitudes, or fears that hinder our relationship with God and embrace the abundant life He promises (John 10:10).
Barriers to Change
Let’s be honest—change is hard. It often feels easier to stay where we are, even if it leaves us spiritually stagnant or unfulfilled. Sometimes we resist change out of fear: What if I fail? What if God asks me to give up something I’m not ready to let go of? Other times, pride keeps us stuck—we convince ourselves that we don’t need to change because we’re “good enough” as we are.
But here’s the beautiful truth: Jesus doesn’t ask us to change on our own. As the Good Shepherd, He walks with us every step of the way. His voice is not one of condemnation but gentle encouragement: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Practical Steps Toward Transformation
If you feel God nudging you toward change but aren’t sure where to begin, here are some practical steps:
- Listen for His Voice
Spend time in prayer and Scripture daily. Ask God to reveal areas in your life where He’s calling you to grow or surrender (John 10:27). - Trust His Guidance
Change often involves stepping into the unknown—but remember that your Shepherd goes before you (Psalm 23:3). Trust that His plans for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11). - Surrender Your Will
True transformation begins with surrender—letting go of control and allowing God to shape your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). - Seek Support
Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage you and hold you accountable in love (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Celebrate Progress
Change is a journey, not an instant fix. Celebrate small victories along the way as evidence of God’s work in your life (Philippians 1:6).
The Joy of Transformation
When we allow God to transform us, we experience a deeper intimacy with Him—a joy that surpasses circumstances and a peace that anchors us through life’s storms (Philippians 4:7). Knowing Jesus as our Good Shepherd brings freedom from fear and a renewed sense of purpose.
Transformation doesn’t mean life will always be easy; valleys will still come. But as David Platt reflects on John 10:14, “You are not alone.” The Shepherd walks with you through every trial, restoring your soul and leading you toward green pastures (Psalm 23).
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: Understanding: A Divine Key to Wisdom and Compassion
Quote of the Day: “No One Remains the Same After Encountering Jesus!”
A Gentle Invitation
So today, ask yourself: Do I need to change? Are there areas in my life where I’ve resisted God’s voice or clung too tightly to my own way? If so, take heart—Jesus meets you right where you are with open arms. He doesn’t demand perfection but invites you into a journey of transformation rooted in His love.
Let John 10:14 remind you that you are fully known by your Good Shepherd—and because of His great love for you, He will guide you gently toward becoming all He created you to be.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Genesis 49 King James Version
1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
2 Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.
3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.
5 Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.
6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
8 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee.
9 Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass’s colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:
12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
14 Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:
15 And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.
16 Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.
17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
18 I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord.
19 Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
20 Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.
21 Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.
22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:
23 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:
24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
27 Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.
28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.
29 And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,
30 In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace.
31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.
32 The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth.
33 And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.
