In speaking about the true shepherd in John 10, Jesus said, “Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (verse 4).
Like an earthly shepherd, Jesus leads both by His voice (i.e. His teachings), and through His example. God the Son showed us how to walk rightly (1 John 2:6).
For instance, after exemplifying servitude in John 13:3-12, Jesus said to His disciples, “If I then, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15).
Later in the same chapter, Jesus gave “a new commandment” to His disciples concerning their need to love one another (verse 34). The need for loving others was not a new commandment (Lev. 19:18), but in John 13:34, the disciples were given a new example of love they were commanded to emulate. Notice the last few words of the verse: Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.
In Philippians 2:3-4, the Holy Spirit through Paul commanded humility and selflessness. After commanding these, He said “Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (verse 5).
May we obey God’s will for us, just as our perfect Savior and Leader exemplified.
– Michael Hickox