Have You Heard About the Herd? | Minister Frank Windham

Devotional

Day 1: Thieves and Shepherds

Jesus stood in Solomon’s colonnade as religious leaders demanded answers. “If you are the Christ, tell us plainly,” they challenged. He replied, “I told you, and you do not believe.” Their unbelief stemmed from refusing to join His flock. Jesus contrasted Himself with thieves who steal, kill, and destroy—but He offers abundant life. The Shepherd protects; the thief plunders. [13:01]

Jesus’ words cut through deception. Thieves exploit, but He sacrifices. The enemy targets your purpose, relationships, and peace. Jesus secures what the thief cannot touch: your eternal identity. His voice dismantles lies that drain your joy.

Where is the thief whispering defeat in your life? Name one area where fear, shame, or distraction has stolen your peace. How will you turn toward the Shepherd’s protection today?

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
(John 10:10, ESV)

Prayer: Ask Jesus to expose the thief’s lies in your thoughts or habits.
Challenge: Write down one lie you’ve believed and replace it with John 10:10 on a sticky note.

Day 2: The Voice in the Storm

Martha rushed between kitchen tasks while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet. “Lord, don’t You care?” Martha protested. Jesus gently corrected her: “Mary has chosen what is better.” Distractions drowned His voice—chopping, serving, worrying. Yet Mary fixed her ears on Him. [25:45]

Jesus prioritizes presence over productivity. Martha’s anxiety fractured her focus; Mary’s stillness anchored her. The Shepherd’s voice cuts through chaos, but we must silence the noise to hear Him.

What “kitchen” tasks monopolize your attention? Laundry, deadlines, or screens often shout louder than Christ. Pause for five minutes today. Sit. Breathe. Listen. What might He say if you stopped hustling?

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.”
(Luke 10:41-42, ESV)

Prayer: Confess one distraction that drowns Christ’s voice. Ask for grace to sit with Him.
Challenge: Set a phone timer for 5 minutes. Sit in silence, eyes closed, hands open.

Day 3: Known by the Shepherd

A rich young man claimed moral perfection. “What do I still lack?” he asked. Jesus told him, “Sell everything.” The man walked away grieving—his wealth defined him. Jesus knew his heart: possessions mattered more than surrender. To truly follow, we must be known. [47:44]

Jesus sees past resumes and religiosity. He knows if we’ve built our identity on accolades, wealth, or approval. The Shepherd calls His sheep by name, not by achievements.

What false identity have you clung to? “Successful,” “busy,” or “self-made” often mask deeper fears. If Jesus asked you to lay down that title today, could you walk away?

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me.”
(John 10:14, ESV)

Prayer: Thank Jesus for knowing your true self. Ask Him to unravel any false identity.
Challenge: Text a friend: “How have you seen Jesus at work in my life?” Save their reply.

Day 4: Nets Left Behind

Peter and Andrew cast nets into the Galilee when Jesus called, “Follow Me.” Without hesitation, they abandoned their livelihood. James and John left their father Zebedee mending boats. Immediate obedience meant trusting the Shepherd’s voice over familiar rhythms. [40:42]

Jesus still calls people from “boats”—comfort zones, careers, or control. Following requires releasing what we grip tightly. Delayed obedience often stems from doubting His provision.

What “net” have you struggled to release? A grudge, unhealthy habit, or financial security? What step toward surrender could you take this week?

“Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”
(Matthew 4:20, ESV)

Prayer: Name one thing you’re clinging to. Ask for courage to release it.
Challenge: Write the word “nets” on a paper. Rip it up while praying, “I choose to follow.”

Day 5: Excuses at the Plow

A man begged Jesus, “Let me first bury my father.” Jesus replied, “Let the dead bury their own.” Harsh? No—urgent. Delaying obedience to manage others’ expectations wastes Kingdom time. Half-hearted followers glance backward; disciples fix their eyes ahead. [54:29]

Jesus confronts our excuses: “I’ll serve after retirement,” or “I’ll forgive once they apologize.” The plow requires forward motion. Distractions become disobedience when they delay your yes.

What “first let me…” excuse have you used to postpone obedience? How might today look different if you stopped negotiating with God?

“No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
(Luke 9:62, ESV)

Prayer: Confess one excuse you’ve used to delay following Jesus fully.
Challenge: Call someone who holds you accountable. Share your excuse and ask for prayer.

Sermon Summary

John 10 sets it out in three beats: My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. The shepherd stands up in the middle of competing voices and says, the thief only comes to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. The thief takes, Jesus gives. The enemy snatches at money, vision, trust, and relationships; the good shepherd lays down his life and guards the flock so no one can snatch them out of his hand. The text draws a line right through the crowd as some believe and some refuse, because faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ; the word only profits when it is united by faith and sealed under the blood.

The first clause speaks straight: My sheep hear my voice. Jesus speaks by the Spirit’s inner witness, by Scripture rightly read, by real prayer that listens, by silence, by songs that preach, and by faithful proclamation that lines up with the text. Jesus spreads gospel, not gossip. Distraction, unwillingness, and ignoring act like a DUI that dulls the ears. Martha’s kitchen noise drowns out a living word sitting in the next room; a DJ reaches for headphones to block the lights, smoke, and chatter so the right beat can land. Scripture becomes that headphone, cutting the noise so the shepherd’s cadence is clear.

The next clause lands heavy: I know them. Matthew 7 warns of the worst sentence a soul could hear, I never knew you. A church resume without new birth is just a new suit over old dirt; only the blood brings the far-off near. Jesus does not recruit fans at the door of a private party; Jesus adopts family. Ephesians 2 says the blood draws a sinner into a real knowing, not a name-drop.

The final clause calls for movement: and they follow me. Simon and Andrew drop nets without a two-week notice; James and John leave the boat, and a father who understands the assignment does not hold them back. Luke 9 strips the excuses, and Matthew 16 says deny yourself and pick up the cross. The rich young ruler’s identity is welded to possessions, so his hands are too full to take Jesus’ hand. The call to follow cuts through counterfeit shepherds and glossy accolades and says, come with me. Inside that herd there is hope, help, healing, hallelujah, and even heaven, because the shepherd is there.

Key Takeaways

1. The Good Shepherd’s voice is clear Jesus speaks by the Spirit, Scripture, prayer that listens, and songs that preach truth. His voice never pulls away from the text, and it never traffics in gossip. Distraction, unwillingness, and ignoring act like spiritual earplugs that keep guidance out and turmoil in. The gospel restores hearing when the heart bows to what it hears. [23:21]
2. The thief takes, Jesus gives abundance The thief steals resources, kills vision, and destroys relationships, but Jesus gives a life that overflows. Abundance is not hype; it is protection, provision, and purpose held in nail-scarred hands no one can pry open. Real discernment spots impostors by their entry point and their fruit. The shepherd comes through the door and leaves the flock flourishing. [13:01]
3. “I know them” beats “I never knew you” Church activity without new birth builds a resume Jesus never signed. The blood alone turns a distant admirer into family at the table. Real knowing is not recognition at the door, it is union secured by the cross. Identity in Christ outlives identity in performance. [34:13]
4. Following Jesus cancels the excuses When Jesus says follow me, immediacy matters more than comfort or custom. Excuses feel reasonable, but the kingdom calls for reordering loves, not fitting God into spare time. The cross requires denial of the old self that always asks for later. A heart set on Christ finds that obedience opens while delay closes. [53:05]
5. Identity in Christ, not possessions The rich young ruler keeps commandments yet clings to the one thing that names him. Possessions are good servants but brutal masters; they fix a person to a small world and call it life. Jesus tests hearts by loosening the grip so a better treasure can be held. Freedom begins where false identity ends. [47:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Enter his gates with praise
[05:18] - Voices and the power of hearing
[09:13] - Have you heard about the herd?
[10:42] - John 10: “My sheep hear”
[13:01] - The thief vs the Shepherd
[18:15] - Hanukkah scene and assurance
[21:19] - How Jesus speaks today
[24:21] - The DUI of deafness
[26:49] - DJ headphones and focus
[33:55] - “I never knew you” warning
[39:36] - “Follow me” and immediacy
[46:26] - The rich young ruler’s test
[57:53] - Prayer to join the herd

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
John 10:27-30 (ESV)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.

Observation Questions

According to John 10:10, what is the difference between the thief’s purpose and Jesus’ purpose? How does the sermon contrast these two roles?
The sermon mentions Jesus speaks through Scripture, prayer, silence, and songs that preach truth. What examples or analogies were used to explain how distractions block His voice? (e.g., Martha’s kitchen noise, DJ headphones) [26:05]
In Matthew 7:23, Jesus says, “I never knew you” to those who rely on religious activity without relationship. How does the sermon describe the danger of a “church resume” without new birth? [34:57]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus emphasize knowing His sheep (John 10:27) as a mark of true belonging, rather than just their actions or words?
The rich young ruler kept commandments but clung to his wealth. What does this reveal about how identity tied to possessions conflicts with following Christ? [47:27]
When Jesus says, “Follow me,” He calls for immediacy (Matthew 4:18-22). Why might delaying obedience or making excuses close doors to spiritual growth? [39:36]

Application Questions

What distractions (e.g., work, social media, busyness) most often dull your ability to hear Jesus’ voice? What practical step could you take this week to “put on headphones” (focus on Scripture) to cut through the noise? [26:49]
How might someone mistake religious activity (like church attendance or service) for genuine relationship with Christ? What would it look like to prioritize knowing Him over performing for Him?
The rich young ruler’s hands were “too full” to take Jesus’ hand. What possessions, habits, or identities do you cling to that might hinder wholehearted following?
When has God called you to act immediately in faith, but excuses delayed you? What would it look like to reorder your loves to prioritize His kingdom over comfort? [53:57]
The sermon warns against counterfeit shepherds who “sneak in” with false promises. How can you test voices claiming to speak for God against Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s guidance? [23:21]

Sermon Clips

So you buy a new suit, buy a new shoes, buy a new hat, buy a new tie, get some cufflinks, get some socks. Heck. You might even, you know, shave or whatever. Now you look like, you know, look like somebody. Right? But the suit and the shoes, the hat, whatever, it doesn't cover up the dirt and the funk that you have under because you never took a shower. And it's like that, but some people may do all these things for Christ. It means nothing to be able to wash in the blood. [00:35:29] (30 seconds)

The worst thing for you to hear is Matthew seven twenty three. And then I will declare to them Jesus. I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. That hits a whole lot different because he's saying, wait a minute. Here he says, I know them, but here he's saying, I never knew you. I think what it is is a lot of people know of Jesus, but they don't know Jesus, and that messes everything up. See, look. In the preceding verse of Matthew seven and twenty three, go to if you go to verse 22, [00:34:05] (35 seconds)

and then they you find out that that they're having a a private party at their house. So you show up there. You go to the front door, and they're at the front door, and you say, hey. This is me. I wanna come in, and they say, I don't know you. But she's like, yeah. But I'm your biggest fan. They know this is a private party. I don't know you. Doesn't matter if you're the biggest fan. I don't I don't know you since private party. [00:37:10] (22 seconds)

I think it's because some may have a DUI problem. Not driving under influence. If that's your problem, come to the altar right now. We'll lay hands on you too. I'm talking about a DUI problem such as being distracted, being unwilling, or just ignoring the voice of Jesus. Yeah. We can be become distracted with work, school, children, spouse, friends, social media, paying bills, meeting deadlines. Oh, life in general. Not everything is the devil. Some things are just life. Right? [00:24:26] (31 seconds)

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