My sheep

(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of John")

"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and
 they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they
 shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of
 My hand." John 10:27,28

Christ calls His people, "My sheep."

The word "sheep," no doubt, points to something
in the character and ways of true Christians. It
would be easy to show that weakness, helplessness,
harmlessness, usefulness—are all points of resemblance
between the sheep and the believer. But the leading
idea in our Lord's mind was the entire dependence
of the sheep upon its Shepherd.

Just as sheep hear the voice of their own shepherd,
and follow him—so do believers follow Christ. By faith
they listen to His call. By faith they submit themselves
to His guidance. By faith they lean on Him, and commit
their souls implicitly to His direction.

The expression, "My sheep," also points to the close
connection which exists between Christ and believers.
They are His by gift from the Father, His by purchase,
His by election and effectual calling, and His by their
own consent and heart submission.

In the highest sense they are Christ's property; and
just as a man feels a special interest in that which he
has bought at a great price and made his own—so does
the Lord Jesus feel a peculiar interest in His people.

We should notice the vast privileges which the Lord
Jesus Christ bestows on true Christians. He uses
words about them, of singular richness and strength.

Christ "knows" His people with a special knowledge of
interest and affection. By the world around them they
are comparatively unknown, uncared for, or despised.
But they are never forgotten or overlooked by Christ.

Christ "gives" His people "eternal life." He freely bestows
on them—a right and title to heaven, pardoning their many
sins, and clothing them with a perfect righteousness.

Money, and health, and worldly prosperity He often
wisely withholds from them. But He never fails to
give them grace, peace, and glory.

Christ declares that His people "shall never perish."
Weak as they are—they shall all be saved. Not one of
them shall be lost and cast away; not one of them shall
miss heaven. If they err—they shall be brought back; if
they fall—they shall be raised. The enemies of their souls
may be strong and mighty—but their Savior is mightier;
and none shall pluck them out of their Savior's hands!
"My sheep shall never perish; no one can snatch them
out of My hand."