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While far from flattering this emblem is very consolatory, for of all creatures none are so weak and helpless as sheep, and none are the subjects of such care.

I. THE PROPRIETOR OF THE SHEEP. "My." They are Christ's —

1. By choice.

2. By the Father's gift. We often value a gift for the donor's sake irrespective of its intrinsic worth.

3. He bought them. We value that for which we have to pay.

4. By capture. A man esteems that which he procures with risk of life and limb. When we were astray He sought, found, rescued us.

5. By the cheerful surrender of ourselves to Him. We would not belong to another if we might; not even to ourselves. All this is —

(1)  A great honour. To belong to a king carries distinction.

(2)  A guarantee of safety.

(3)  The stamp of sanctity. We are the Lord's separated flock.

(4)  The key to duty.

II. THE MARKS OF THE SHEEP.

1. Their ear mark: "Hear My voice."

(1)  They hear spiritually.

(2)  They hear Christ in the ministry, Bible, providences, etc., and they distinguish His voice from that of strangers.

(3)  They hear obediently.

2. Their foot mark: "They follow Me" — not are driven. They follow Christ —

(1)  As the Captain of their salvation.

(2)  As their Teacher.

(3)  As their Example.

(4)  As their Commander and Prince. "Whatsoever He saith unto you do it."

III. THE PRIVILEGE OF THE SHEEP. It does not look very large, but it is amazingly blessed. "I know them," the reverse of which is "I never knew you." He knows us —

1. Personally.

2. Thoroughly.

3. Helpfully.

(1)  Our sins that He may forgive them.

(2)  Our diseases that He may heal them, etc.

(C. H. Spurgeon.)

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KJV: Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

WEB: The Jews therefore came around him and said to him, "How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."