I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:14-15
You are not invisible to God—He sees you, knows you, and calls you by name. Life can feel challenging when it seems no one notices your pain, effort, or what you’re going through. But Jesus speaks directly to that feeling. In John 10:14-15, He says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” This isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a promise that He sees, protects, and loves you forever.
Jesus doesn’t just know things about you—He knows your heart. The word used in the Bible for “know” means deep friendship. Jesus isn’t watching from far away. He walks beside you. He cares about your thoughts, fears, and even what you don’t say out loud. He understands you more than anyone else.
The way Jesus knows us is like how He knows God the Father. That’s amazing to think about. The love between Jesus and His Father is perfect, and Jesus wants that same close relationship with you. He doesn’t want you to feel far away from Him. He wants you to be near. Always.
A shepherd leads, protects, and stays close to the sheep. That’s what Jesus does for you. He sees when you’re lost, helps when you’re hurting, and brings you back when you wander. And when danger comes, He doesn’t run away—He gave His life to keep you safe. That’s the kind of Shepherd He is.
Sometimes, we forget that being known by God also means being deeply loved. From his book The Pursuit of God (1948), A.W. Tozer, Christian pastor and author, said, “To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love.” This quote reminds us that even though God knows everything about us, He still wants a growing relationship. His love doesn’t stop at learning who we are—it keeps chasing after us. God watches over you with joy, not out of duty, but because His heart is full of love for you.
When you feel lost, the Shepherd knows exactly where you are. You may feel like no one gets you or that you’re too far gone to be reached. But the Shepherd never loses track of His sheep. His eye is always on you. He doesn’t wait for you to find your way back—He comes for you, again and again.
It's not about the destination but Him being with you on the journey. In one of the most significant decisions of my life, I asked God what He wanted me to do. I prayed. I searched. And the only answer was this: "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you"—Joshua 1:5 (NIV). I didn't know what was ahead of me. But as long as His presence is with me, I will go. My shepherd is with me.
There is safety in being known by Jesus. Knowing that He is watching over you brings peace when the world feels dangerous and unpredictable. His eyes never close. His care never fades. He sees what’s ahead even when you can’t. And He’s already working to lead you safely through.
Jesus doesn’t just care for the group—He cares for the one. That includes you. He knows your name. He knows your voice. And even if no one else sees what you’re going through, He does. And He promises to walk through it with you.
His knowledge of you is not temporary—it’s eternal. The Shepherd doesn’t stop caring when life gets messy. He’s committed to you forever. That means you can rest. You don’t have to prove anything to stay in His care. You’re already held.
Godseekers, you are seen, known, and safe in the Shepherd’s care. Don’t let fear or shame push you away from His voice. He knows you deeply and loves you fully. Stay close to Him—He will never lead you wrong.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for being my Good Shepherd. Thank you for knowing me entirely and loving me still. Help me trust Your guidance, rest in Your care, and stay near Your voice.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
What makes you feel unseen or forgotten right now?
How does knowing Jesus watches over you personally change the way you view your situation?
Step of Faith
Today, take a few quiet minutes to picture Jesus as your Shepherd—close, kind, and strong. Thank Him for watching over you. Then ask Him to help you hear His voice clearly and follow Him with trust.
