One Flock, One Shepherd
Several of the scripture texts for this weekend use the shepherd and his sheep in describing the relationship between God and his people. Although we live in Iowa, an agricultural state, we’re pretty “citified” around here and would have to admit we don’t have much understanding of sheep. As a youngster, in my mind a shepherd was a person in the Bible stories we read in Sunday School. We knew shepherds were important, as they were the first to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth, and from a choir of angels, no less! And the parable of the shepherd who went to search for the one lost sheep was memorable — probably because it was always pictured as a helpless, adorable little lamb.
But how do we 21st century city people relate to being portrayed as a flock of sheep, who are apparently not too bright, prone to wandering off randomly, and easily spooked into running away for no reason? We don’t really appreciate being described as such, as it’s far from flattering, if not downright insulting.
Referring to Jesus as a shepherd is an effective way of illustrating that he was willing to not only be human and live among everyday people, but that he would take on the hard, dirty, round-the-clock job of keeping track of an unruly flock of sheep. In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of the sheep following their shepherd because they know his voice, and trust him. He is the one who will lead them safely to pasture, and who is dedicated to protecting them. He tells us, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 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.” (John 10:14-16)
The universality of Jesus’ Good News for all is apparent in this passage. None are excluded and all are invited and welcome. Every individual is God’s child, and every single one matters. There are no acceptable percentages of loss, no “cost of doing business.” The loss of one or a few is a loss to all, and the rescuing of one or a few is a triumph for all. Admittedly, this is a challenging concept. But I know I am one of those sheep in the flock, and I matter just as much as the next, which means the next one matters just as much as I do. None of us can think, imagine, or comprehend on such a vast scale, so that’s where we are called to have faith that God knows, understands, and cares for every one and for all.
How blessed we are to be assured of the care and protection of our Lord, and to be able to share this Good News through our words and deeds.
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers