Why the Sheep and the Shepherd?
Bible Study Guide
Why do you suppose Jesus uses the analogy of the sheep and the shepherd in his teaching?
During Jesus’ time, shepherding was not only a common occupation but it was a vital one. Sheep provided the people of Israel with essential items such as milk, meat, and wool. According the the Jewish historian, Josephus, there were approximately 800,000 to 1,000,000 people living in Israel at this time. This required many sheep.
This gave way to the crucial role of both Nomadic and Settled shepherding. One lived in the wilderness tending their flocks and constantly searching for grazing lands. The other tended their flocks on the edge of settlements.
Add to this significant resource, the annual requirements by God for the sacrificial atonement of sins through the sacrifice of lambs and the annual need of sheep was enormous. While there are no exact numbers as to the amount of sheep that were sacrificed annually during Jesus’ time. We can look back to the Old Testament to see that there were tens of thousands of sheep sacrificed annually.
We can see the vital role that shepherding played in the lives of the people of Israel. The shepherds were constantly on the watch for predators looking for a meal. They had to stand guard against thieves who were looking to do the same.
Most often, these shepherds had to sleep with one eye open. They were always ready to lay down their own life in protection of their sheep.
The reason for this analogy was because Jesus knew they could relate to the role of the shepherd and the great need they had for the sheep that they tended. Thus, the shepherd’s role was a vital one.
I AM the Good Shepherd
(Verse 11-13) Jesus proclaims, “I AM the Good Shepherd.” This is the fourth of the seven great “I AM” statements Jesus makes about Himself in this gospel of John.
He describes the role of the shepherd knowing they can directly relate to His words. He goes on to compare the shepherd’s relation to the sheep and his relationship with His followers.
(Verse 14-15) If a shepherd is willing to lay down his life for the sake of his sheep which he needs for income and the survival of his profession, how much more is Christ willing to lay down His life for us?
The answer to that question is found at the cross where he gave His life for ours. The exchange of our sins for the righteousness of God.
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
To the Jew First Then to the Gentile
(Verse 16) The “other sheep” Jesus is referring to are Gentiles.
He begins by foretelling of the time after His death when Paul will take on his role as an apostle to the Gentiles. He will go out to other nations and spread the gospel of salvation to the Jew first, then to the Gentiles.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)
It’s important to recognize that the gospel of Christ is to be shared first with God’s chosen people, then to the Gentiles. Also, this is an important doctrine to understand when it comes to Bible prophecy. All of prophecy is centered around Israel and the Jews. It doesn’t matter whether you accept this doctrine or not. It is God’s truth.
This is why, as we enter these last days, Israel has become the focus “burdensome stone” for all nations. The attention on Israel will continue to grow as we venture further down this path toward the rapture and the tribulation.
This idea of sharing the gospel with the Jew first then the Gentile is not Paul’s. He’s following Jesus’ instructions given to all the apostles during Pentecost.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
(Acts 1:8)
One Flock and One Shepherd
Then verse 16 ends explaining that those who come to accept God’s gift of salvation through His Son, will become one flock (church of believers) led by one shepherd (Jesus Christ). Paul teaches on this in his letter to the Galatians.
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
(Galatians 3:26-28)
(Verses 17-21) After these teachings by Jesus, the people were divided. This further exemplified Jesus’ claims that His sheep hear His voice and they know Him. Those who are not His sheep, are not of Him and do not hear His voice.
This is just as Luke recorded Jesus saying.
“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:51-53)
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