Hearing Jesus

There’s a question that sits quietly in the heart of almost every Christian, whether we admit it or not: “How do I actually hear the voice of Jesus?”

Good Shepherd Sunday 26th April 2026 Hearing Jesus

2 Gracious and loving God, we come before you in wonder and praise. You are the Good Shepherd, the one who knows each of us by name, who calls us, leads us, and never lets us go. In a world of noise and confusion, your voice is steady, gentle, and true— calling us into life, into freedom, into love. Lord Jesus, our Shepherd and King, you search for the lost and carry the weak. You walk with us through green pastures and do not abandon us in the darkest valleys. You lay down your life for the sheep, and in your rising again, you open the gate to eternal life. We adore you for your compassion that never fails, for your patience that does not grow weary, for your faithfulness that holds us secure. You are our guide when we wander, our protector when we are afraid, our rest when we are weary. Holy Spirit, breath of the living God, tune our hearts to hear the Shepherd’s voice. Draw us closer, that we may follow where he leads, trusting in his goodness, resting in his presence, and rejoicing in his care. With all creation we lift our voices in praise: Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit— one God, now and forever. Amen.

3 Last week – road to Emmaus – walking with Jesus, hearing Him speak….. Hearing Jesus There’s a question that sits quietly in the heart of almost every Christian, whether we admit it or not: “How do I actually hear the voice of Jesus?” We hear others talk about it. We read about it in Scripture. We sing about being led, guided, spoken to. But in the reality of everyday life—busy schedules, noisy minds, complicated situations—it can feel a bit unclear. And into that uncertainty, Jesus speaks something wonderfully simple: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) Not some sheep. Not super-spiritual sheep. Not just leaders, prophets, or the especially holy. My sheep hear my voice. If you belong to Jesus, this is your normal.

4 1. The Voice That Knows You Before Jesus says we hear him, he says something even more important: “I know them.” This isn’t distant knowledge. This is intimate, personal, relational knowing. Jesus knows: • your fears • your habits • your questions • your hidden struggles • your longings So when he speaks, he doesn’t speak in generalities. He speaks into your actual life. That means: The voice of Jesus is not random—it’s relational. Sometimes we miss his voice because we expect something dramatic, when actually he’s speaking in ways shaped perfectly for us.

5 2. The Different Ways Jesus Speaks Let’s make this really practical. If Jesus says we hear his voice, how does that actually happen? a) Through Scripture This is the primary place. The voice of Jesus is never separate from the Word of God. Sometimes a passage: • jumps out at you • lingers in your mind • speaks directly into a situation Not because it’s new—but because the Spirit is making it alive to you. You’re not just reading the Bible. The living Christ is speaking through it. b) Through the Holy Spirit in our hearts Sometimes it’s not words you read—it’s something you sense. A prompting: • “Reach out to that person.” • “Let that go.” • “Trust me here.” • “Say sorry.”

6 It’s often gentle. Not loud. Not forced. The voice of Jesus doesn’t usually shout over everything else. It comes as a recognisable nudge, a quiet clarity. c) Through circumstances Jesus can speak through what’s happening around us: • a door opens—or closes • something unexpected disrupts our plans • a pattern begins to emerge Not everything that happens is God’s voice—but sometimes, as we pray and reflect, we begin to see: “Actually… I think Jesus is guiding me here.” d) Through other people Sometimes Jesus speaks through: • a friend • a sermon • a conversation • a word that lands with surprising weight Not everything people say is from God—but sometimes, something cuts through and you just know: “That was for me.”

7 e) Through inner conviction and peace Jesus often speaks through: • conviction (when something isn’t right) • peace (when something is aligned with him) That doesn’t mean everything easy is from God, or everything hard isn’t. But there is often a deep, settled sense: • This is right. • This is true. • This is where I’m being led.

8 3. Why We Sometimes Don’t Hear If this is all true, why does it sometimes feel like silence? In this passage, Jesus is speaking to people who don’t recognise his voice, even though he’s right in front of them. Why? Because they weren’t really listening. Sometimes we struggle to hear because: • our lives are too noisy • our hearts are distracted • we’re not actually willing to follow if he speaks Jesus doesn’t say: “My sheep hear my voice and consider it.” He says: “They follow me.” Hearing and following are connected. Sometimes clarity comes after obedience, not before.

9 4. The Voice That Leads to Life Jesus finishes with this extraordinary promise: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” His voice is not just guidance—it’s life-giving. The voice of Jesus: • draws you closer to him • leads you into freedom • aligns you with truth • calls you out of sin and into grace And ultimately, it leads you into deeper relationship with him.

10 5. A Simple Invitation So how do we respond? Not with complexity—but with openness. You don’t need a special technique. You don’t need to become someone else. You simply need to become available. Let me invite you to something simple this week: Each day, take a few minutes and pray: “Jesus, I am your sheep. Help me to hear your voice. Speak, Lord—I am listening.” Then: • read a small portion of Scripture • sit in stillness • pay attention through the day Notice: • what stands out • what nudges you • what returns to your mind

11 And when something aligns with the character and truth of Jesus— respond. 6. A Moment to Respond Now Let’s not just talk about hearing his voice—let’s make space for it. Right now. (Pause for a moment of silence) Maybe as we’ve been speaking: • something has stirred in you • a situation has come to mind • a step of obedience is becoming clear That may well be the voice of Jesus. Not dramatic. Not overwhelming. But real.

12 So here’s the invitation: If you want to grow in hearing the voice of Jesus— If you want to say, “Lord, I am listening”— Then simply open your hands where you are. A physical sign of a spiritual posture. And pray: “Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.” Because this is the promise: You are not alone. You are not abandoned. You are not guessing your way through life. The Good Shepherd is speaking. And his sheep… hear his voice. Amen.

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15 Good Shepherd Sunday Welcome Confession Forgiveness [stand] Invocation of the Holy Spirit Song 1 – Praise my soul the King of Heaven Prayer of adoration Song 2 – You’re the Word of God the Father Song 3 – The Lord’s my Shepherd – Townsend Song 4 – Speak O Lord Reading SERMON Song a – Build Your Kingdon Song b – Our God saves PRAYERS Song c – Benediction Blessing & Dismissal