Other Sheep

John 10:16-18 And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father.”


Jesus chose to open the sheep gate to a whole different flock. Most people remember in Israel thought the messiah was to come for the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Israel as it existed under the great King David. They ignored the passages written by the prophets pointing to one that would be a light to the nations. Jesus came to institute a new world order. The chosen people were no longer a governmental nation, but a spiritual nation which would include every tribe and race. 


This flock was not to be established by obtaining a bigger farm or hiring more shepherds. Jesus would change the definition of God's chosen people forever through his death on the cross and resurrection. The Son of God who could call legions of angels to his side, chose to lay down his life as a means of reconciling humanity to an open relationship with God.


It must be clear that Jesus was not trapped into some unfair human sacrifice, but rather that Jesus came to become a man, and after teaching us about the love of God and showing God's power he willingly finished his purpose of reconciliation. After he defeated death, he took up his life again to begin the rapid expansion of God's family. I'm filled with gratitude that through Jesus I have been included in God's family. If he wants to call me part of the other sheep, I'll take it. This participation in Jesus is my greatest blessing.