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If the Lord Jesus came to earth to seek and to save the lost sheep of the flock, it is not wonderful that he should know those in whom he has displayed an interest so compassionate and deep. If the members of the flock owe to the great and good Shepherd their safety, their pasture, their all, it is not wonderful that they should know him to whom they are so immeasurably indebted. Hence the natural simplicity of the language in which Christ says, "I know mine own, and mine own know me."

I. CHRIST, THE GOOD SHEPHERD, KNOWS HIS SHEEP.

1. This fact is an incidental proof of our Lord's Deity. Not only did Jesus know every one of his disciples during his earthly ministry; his knowledge extends to all who are his. No one of them is lost and overlooked in the crowd; each one is individually known and named. Throughout the long generations of human history, in all the lands where the Christian faith has been planted, the omniscient Shepherd and Bishop of souls has recognized and cared for every sheep of the flock.

2. This fact is a proof of our Lord's special and affectionate interest in the several members of his Church. To know, in this as in many other passages, means to regard with favor and attachment. The Savior's knowledge of his people is something more and better than mere recognition; it is the knowledge of friendship and affection. His capacious heart has a place for every one whom he has purchased with his blood, whom he has sealed with his Spirit.

3. This fact is a proof that there is a special character in the sheep of Christ's flock which the Shepherd recognizes with pleasure. "The Lord knoweth them that are his;" for they possess certain spiritual marks which indicate his property in them.

II. THE SHEEP OF CHRIST'S FLOCK KNOW THE GOOD SHEPHERD, WHO OWNS AND CANES FOR THEM.

1. Their knowledge of their Savior is based upon his knowledge of them.

2. It is a knowledge which is associated with gratitude and affection.

3. It is a knowledge which leads to cheerful obedience. The sheep who know the form and the voice of the Shepherd follow him whithersoever he goeth; and the law of the Christian's life is obedience to the Master.

4. It is a knowledge which prompts to witness. Those who know the qualities of the Shepherd, his power to save and bless, will not fail to make him known to those who need his love and care. - T.

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KJV: I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

WEB: I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I'm known by my own;