Untitled Sermon (2)

Jesus uses an analogy from everyday life to speak to his audience. Ancient Israelites understood what it meant to tend to livestock especially sheep and goats.

It is interesting that Jesus uses an animal like sheep to describe human beings. Sheep are grazing animals and tend to stay in herds for protection. Their main line of defense is running. The are prone to following one another in an effort to maintain safety and are therefore also prone to mob mentality. They can recognize the bleatings of their lambs, they have an excellent sense of smell and can recognize the voice and smell of their shepherd. They are highly social animals and develop strong bonds with one another. They have a tendency to follow a leader in the herd and exhibit a wide range of emotions. Their characteristics resemble human characteristics.

The shepherd in Ancient times and in modern times still uses the herd mentality to move sheep to greener pasture and to gather them into their pens for safety and care.

Jesus uses an analogy that is still relevant today. Most of us are not shepherds but there are still shepherds today and we can relate to the behaviour and characteristics of sheep because they reflect many of our own characteristics. Sheep feel safe when they trust, know and sense their shepherd is nearby.