People are easily led astray and at the same time can be stubborn and go our own way. But in either case we are pretty defenseless on our own – just like sheep. That’s why why the word picture of God’s people as sheep is such an appropriate one. And that’s why when Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd, it’s such a comforting truth. He knows his sheep and calls them by name. Jesus is calling your name.
The life that God calls Christians to live, is a life centered on and directed by the Cross. God hasn’t called us to live religiously different from the world, but radically different. As radically different as the idea that God would go to the Cross to save sinners.