John 10:1-21
Dear RTB’ers,
Today, the Good Shepherd… And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. (v. 16) So, who are the “other sheep”? To whom was Jesus referring? …to people in the crowd who said that He had a demon? (John 10:20) …to the scribes and Pharisees who were constantly challenging Him? …to Samaritans or Gentiles? Who did He have in mind?
Beyond that, what is He saying to us today? Who are the “other sheep” in today’s world? Would Jesus be referring to people in other worldwide religions – Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, atheists…? …or within Christianity, members of other sects, other denominations? …or very locally, our family, friends, neighbors? A suggestion was made to me at Sunday’s RTB gathering that I often think too deeply about Jesus’ words, trying to understand Him in detail, when I should just get the gist of what He is saying and move on. So, to rewrite Alfred, Lord Tennyson, “The Charge of the Light Brigade” (1854), “Mine is not to reason why, mine is but to do or die.” Just do it!
Blessings.
See also: