What Jesus Did! 'Knowing and Known' — John 10:14-15

Friday, July 17, 2026

[Jesus continued,] "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep."
— John 10:14-15 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus knows us. He knows our hearts. He knows our fears. He knows our temptations. He knows us inside and out. Any attempts to pretend would be in vain. We do not have to be afraid in his presence. We know he wants what is best for us. He demonstrated it by allowing himself to be born into our world and placed in a feed trough in a stable at Bethlehem. He made it clear by allowing himself to be arrested, mistreated, falsely tried, and then crucified on the cross at Golgotha.

Today's Prayer

Father, because of your love and because of Jesus, who is interceding for me now, I pour out to you my deepest concerns: ... I know you will hear my cries and minister to my needs. I do not mean to be selfish today, O God, but I do want to be honest in your presence knowing that I can come to you sincerely and receive your grace. Thank you for your immeasurable love, understanding, and assurance which are given to me at such a high price. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

John 10:14-15
Devo: Today's Verse
"[Jesus said,] "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my...."
The Good Shepherd
Illustration of John 10:14-15
Inspirational illustration of John 10:14-15 -- [Jesus said,] 'I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep.'
A Rose by Any Other Name Might Be ... Jim!
Article by Patrick D. Odum
So what really is your name? Patrick Odum talks about a humorous situation where his neighbor repeatedly called him Jim even though that was not his name.
God Has Sheep Not in Your Group
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"Just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I give my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this flock, and I must bring them..."
See All 10 Related Resources about John 10:14-15

Illustration

Illustration of John 10:14-15 NLT — [Jesus continued,] "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, July 17, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Managing Your Assets with Spiritual Wisdom'
"Dear Disciple, Over the ages, people have freely talked with each other about almost everything, except how they spend their money. Once the talk..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 23:1-3
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'God's Secret Wisdom' (1 Co. 2:6-10)
"Dear Father, revealer of secret wisdom, Thank you for revealing to us what has been hidden, the wisdom which you decreed before the ages concerning....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Mother Teresa:
"We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature — trees, flowers, grass — grows...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!