Why does Jesus refer to his followers as sheep in John 10?
Jesus refers to His followers as sheep because He was dealing especially with the nation of Israel. Sheep hear His voice, He knows them, and they follow Him. The term pictures a close relationship of hearing, recognition, and following the Shepherd.
Les explains that in John 10:27–28 Jesus is dealing especially with the nation of Israel, which is why He uses the term sheep. The sheep hear His voice, He knows them, and they follow Him. Jesus gives them eternal life, they shall never perish, and no one—indeed nothing in creation, including angelic or satanic powers—can pluck them out of His hand. This security rests on believing that God in Christ died and rose again for salvation.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
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Why does Jesus use the term 'sheep' in John 10?
In John 10, Jesus uses the term 'sheep' because he is dealing especially with the nation of Israel.