Other Sheep

Yesterday, we reflected on Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John, chapter 10). I find a lot of comfort in that passage. But I also find there is a measure of challenge. In verse 16, Jesus adds: I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 

And herein lies the challenge… Who are the other sheep?

Well, it would be very easy and comfortable, for me to think the other sheep are the other Presbyterian (USA) Churches… 

I think about an encounter I had with a young Pentecostal pastor years ago. I was on a plane coming back from Atlanta, and he sat next to me. At that time, we were about the same age and had kids about the same age as mine. We were both pastors in Jacksonville. We shared a lot of commonalities – and really, we could have been friends. 

But as the flight went on, it became clear that because I didn’t speak in tongues, I was somehow lesser – maybe not really Christian in his eyes… And I left feeling a little hurt – put off…  

Am I the other sheep? He might not think so… Are Pentecostals the other sheep?

On one level, Jesus’ words are a a deep challenge to all denominationalism: “There will be one flock, one shepherd.”

I think about Jesus, gathering his flock. Bringing in those who see, hear, and believe in him… I think about how in the Bible, Jesus brings in the outcasts of his day… sinners, lepers, Samaritans, tax collectors… He had this concern for the individual welfare of each and every sheep. He knows each one by name… And he gathers them in… And he’s gathered us in…

I think about the conservative Southern Baptists and the ultra-liberal More Light churches. I think about Christians who love Trump and Christians who love Biden. I think about Catholics and Eastern Orthodox and Lutherans and Methodists… 

He calls the sheep by name and they know his voice…  

We know his voice…

What’s he saying to us? What is he saying to me?

Let us pray: We remember today, O God, that we have deep ties and even a spiritual kinship with people across the globe… With all the forces that would seek to divide, we ask for your healing grace. Begin with us; through Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Amen.