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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