They know his voice, and obey the call. So does the Saviour-Shepherd with His sheep. He compels none to follow Him. It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul.
Love awakens in the heart of the beholders.
They hear His voice, and they follow Him. As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them. The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.