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We are Sheep, Thank You!
In our current political climate, one group calls the other “a bunch of sheep.” They mean it in a derogatory way, but I take it as a compliment. We are God’s sheep, members of God’s fold, and we, the sheep, follow Jesus, the Shepherd, to lie beside clean, still waters on green, cool grass. I can’t think of a better place to be, unless you prefer lying on the sand near the ocean and having Jesus make you breakfast of grilled fish!
Why does Jesus compare us to sheep? Sheep are the most frequently mentioned animal in the Bible, appearing over 200 times. They serve as central symbols for humanity’s relationship with God, illustrating themes of dependence, sacrifice, and divine care.
Biblical writers often drew parallels between the natural behaviors of sheep and human nature. In an article from Christian Parent, author Julie Plagens lists five reasons why Jesus calls us sheep. Her intention is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it is truthful about our relationship with Jesus.
1.Sheep follow others blindly - We are compared to sheep because we will follow anyone without thinking, we have no sense of direction, and we cannot defend ourselves in times of trouble. We need to follow Jesus.
2.Sheep are emotional and recognize the shepherd’s voice - Just like sheep, we get anxious, distressed, and feel sadness. We must listen for the shepherd’s voice to keep us calm in times of trouble. Otherwise, we could be led off by a stranger’s voice and encounter real harm - “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
3.Sheep are not meant to carry burdens – We will never see a sheep carry a pack on its back. We were not meant to carry our burdens either. We are best to give Jesus our heavy load so he can carry it for us - “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22a).
4.Sheep will settle for less - When sheep are thirsty, they will stop at a dirty puddle right in front of them instead of going for the clean, still waters ten feet ahead. Sheep lack discernment and judgment and don’t know what is good for them. Sounds like us! We are content with filth and don’t know we stink; this is why we need a shepherd. He leads us to better things and cleans us up when no one else will touch us - “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters” (Psalm 23:1–2).
5.Sheep are valuable - Sheep were treated as prized possessions in Jesus’ day. You were considered a wealthy man if you owned large flocks because they provided meat, milk, and wool. Shepherds made many sacrifices to make sure their flocks were protected. They knew their livelihood was at stake. How much more precious are we than smelly sheep? God compares us to sheep in the Bible because he views us as priceless. So valuable that he was willing to give his life for us – “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29).
Come all you sheep of the fold, hear God’s voice calling us to Hope Lutheran Church in Clinton, MD. We worship at 10:30 AM or on Facebook live at Hopeclinton. Come, and receive God’s blessings and feed on the bread of life. We will have coffee and cake, too.
Peace+
Pastor Eric
Source: Julie Plagens, Why Jesus compares us to sheep (it’s kinda funny), Christian Parenting, October 20, 2020. https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/why-jesus-compares-us-to-sheep-its-kinda-funny/.
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