THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE
Under New Management #3
Pastor Brandon Cross
Woodland Church
Sunday, June 28, 2026
During our first week, we talked about Jesus as the Good Shepherd and one of the things we talked about was that as believers, we are to hear His voice and follow Him; His sheep know His voice.
(John 10:4-5) “And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
MAIN POINT:
Jesus calls us into a life of radical transformation; one that contrasts worldly values with Kingdom values, calling followers to a higher standard of righteousness rooted in love, mercy, and humility, demonstrating God’s character to the world!!!
KINGDOM CHARACTER
Defining the heart posture of a passionate follower of Jesus in Matthew, chapter 5.
1. THE BEATITUDES
Redefining a Life Well-Lived (Matthew 5:3-12)
(Matthew 5:3, NLT) “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (NKJV “Poor in Spirit”)
- A humble, contrite heart that knows it cannot attain salvation or righteousness on its own
(Matthew 5:4, NLT) “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
- This includes deep sorrow for personal sin, spiritual bankruptcy, and the brokenness or injustice in the world.
(Matthew 5:5, NLT) “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” (NKJV “Meek”)
- “Meek is strength under control” -Tony Dungy
- Rooted in Trust – A meek person is one who trusts God to deal with injustices, rather than taking revenge or asserting their own rights forcefully.
(Matthew 5:6, NLT) “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.”
- Pursuing a right standing with God (justification) and a hunger to live a righteous life.
(Matthew 5:7, NLT) “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
- Grace is reciprocal.
(Matthew 5:8, NLT) “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” (NKJV “in”)
- We are to allow God to cleanse our heart and fill it with His love.
(Matthew 5:9, NLT) “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” (NKJV “Peacemakers”)
- “Peacemakers” actively resolve conflict and foster healthy relationships, rather than just avoiding conflict.
(Matthew 5:10, NLT) “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
- This includes being mocked, ostracized, or suffering unjustly for standing for truth and acting in ways that align with God’s will.
SUMMARY/APPLICATION:
We are called to live our lives radically transformed and distinct from the values of the world, even if we are mocked, ridiculed or personally attacked for it.
(Matthew 5:11-12, NLT) “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”
2. SALT AND LIGHT
Defining Our Purpose as His Disciples (Matthew 5:13-16)
SUMMARY/APPLICATION:
Believers are designed to be an active, positive influence, spreading the hope of Christ and the truth of the Cross/Gospel.
3. MATTERS OF THE HEART
Anger, Retaliation, and Love for Enemies (Matthew 5:21-48)
Heart defined – The totality of our inner self = our mind (thoughts), will (intentions), emotions, and conscience; where our core character is shaped.
Anger – verses 21-26
- Urgency in Conflict Resolution – God values relational harmony far above ritualistic worship; Jesus prioritizes reconciliation before worship
Retaliation – verses 38-42
- Turning the other cheek (v. 39) Neutralize the insult or attack
- Giving your cloak (v. 40) Diffuse conflict. Do not engage needlessly
- Going the second mile (v. 41) Model unwarranted Kindness
- Giving and lending (v. 42) Model radical generosity
Love for enemies – verses 43-48
- Jesus is telling His followers to aim for a completeness in love, mercy, and grace that mirrors the perfect, undivided love of God Himself.
SUMMARY/APPLICATION:
As believers we are to bring our hearts under examination and submission to Jesus’ instructions. We are to strive to mirror God’s heart toward all people and to allow His voice to overrule our natural tendencies or inclinations. This is hearing The Shepherd’s Voice!!!
CALL TO ACTION:
- Strive to walk in humility and recognition of God’s Holy standard. Identify a situation this week that you could better demonstrate God’s heart for holiness and mercy toward others. Ask God to guide you into a better understanding of His heart in this area.
- Try to identify one or two ways/actions you could take this week to actively be a better influence in your neighborhood or community setting.
- Identify situations this week that you can respond to with grace, forgiveness, and surrender with urgency to better represent how Jesus has instructed us to deal with tough people or situations.