Why does Jesus call his people 'sheep' in John 10:27?
Jesus uses the term 'sheep' because He is dealing especially with the nation of Israel in that context. His sheep hear His voice, He knows them, and they follow Him. This relationship is the reason He uses that figure for His people.
Les explains that John 10:27 is set in a context where Jesus is dealing especially with the nation of Israel, and that is why he thinks Jesus uses the term 'sheep.' The verse reads, 'My sheep hear my voice,' and continues, 'and I know them, and they follow me.' This describes a relationship of hearing, knowing, and following. The next verse promises eternal life, that they shall never perish, and that no one shall pluck them out of His hand. Les compares the word 'any' in verse 28 with what Paul said in Romans 8, including not just man but the whole sphere of creation—angelic powers, satanic powers; nothing can pluck them out of His hand. Then he applies it: if you can believe that God in Christ died and rose again for your salvation, you should be able to believe these things, that you're His.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: