Today’s readings speak of God and Jesus as our shepherd. We’re most familiar with this metaphor in Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
In John 10:1-18, Jesus continues the metaphor, and identifies himself as the good shepherd.
The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. … All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. … I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me
God knows his own. He recognizes you, and requires no proof. You recognize God’s voice, and follow him willingly.
Contrast this with the Beast in Revelation 13:16-17.
Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.
The Beast demands proof of your loyalty, a brand, and coerces us into receiving this brand. Coercion is necessary, because he is the wolf at the door, the thief stealing the sheep.
A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.