The next actors are the sheep. In Jesus' time, they were highly valued animals. They were understood as either innocent or helpless, requiring a great deal of care.
John 10:11-18 tells us just a little about the sheep. In verse 14, they know the shepherd. γινώσκω (I know) in some form, is used four times in the pericope. The level of knowledge is compared to that between the Father and the Son; an intimate knowledge.
Jesus speaks of "other sheep" (verse 16) that he will bring into the fold. In Jesus' time, these others were likely Gentile Christians. Who do you think may be the "other sheep," the other people today? How can they be brought in? Jesus, the good, ideal shepherd was able to unite disparate peoples into a band of followers. How can we so unite God's people?
As sheep, since leaders are also followers, as the sheep in their vulnerability, needed shepherding, so do we.
Shepherd Me, O God - Marty Haugen
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Ivy, remember the sheep who used to come down our street and graze outside our doors? The sheep weren't nearly as docile and obedient as in the sunday school stories. I saw one of the sheep charge and butt the old man who was herding them.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that the sheep stay together better when they are traveling. It is when they stop and graze that they get unruly and rambunctious. I bet there is a sermon in that.
David
I loved watching the sheep and the goats. Remember the one who used to play soccer with the the young boy who watched them?
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