“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:16)
This verse is Jesus’ declaration of His universal salvation plan and mission.
- Other sheep that are not of this sheep pen: For Jewish audiences, “this sheep pen” would naturally be understood as referring to the Israelites (the community of believers mainly composed of Jews then). So, who are the “other sheep”?
- Interpretation 1: The scattered tribes of Israel. One of the Messiah’s tasks was to gather and assemble all of Israel (Isa. 11:12; Jer. 31:8).
- Interpretation 2: The Gentiles. The prophets had predicted that the Gentiles would come to the God of Israel (Isa. 2:2-4, 49:6, 56:6-8; Zech. 8:20-23). The Messiah will be “a light for the Gentiles.” This interpretation is more consistent with the development of the early church.
- I must bring: This is not an option, but a certain part of God’s salvation plan and a mission that the Messiah must accomplish.
- One flock and one shepherd: Jesus here claims to be the unique Messianic shepherd who will gather all of God’s people (whether Jews or Gentiles, or the scattered tribes). Note that the words “one flock” are used here, not “a pen”, suggesting that the ultimate unity is a spiritual union under the leadership of the same shepherd, not necessarily within the same geographical or cultural enclosure.
We are the sheep that have been brought back, and in Christ we are like being in a secure and cozy sheepfold, enjoying the care, feeding, and protection of the good shepherd Jesus. What a great grace this is! We are grateful for this and cherish our worship, fellowship and peace in the Lord. However, a good shepherd is never satisfied with the safety of just his own sheepfold. In the Gospel of John, He clearly told us: ” I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. ” This is His call from the bottom of His Heart to the lost souls, and sacred commission to those of us who have received grace.
Where are the “other sheep”? They are in our communities, workplaces, campuses, and in our daily lives. They may be our new neighbors in Manchester, fellow countrymen with similar language and culture, or local friends with different backgrounds. In their hearts they are also searching for peace, meaning of life, and eternal hope, but they have not yet heard the voice of the Good Shepherd.
The Lord Jesus said, “I must bring them also.” The word “must” carry the meaning of His love and the urgency. Today, He invites us to participate in the great commission. Stepping out of our comfortable sheepfold does not mean leaving the Lord’s protection, but rather, it means bringing the Lord’s love and power and becoming His messengers to seek the lost sheep. This does not necessarily mean travelling far away; it can start from nearby: a friendly smile, a word out of sincere concern, a courageous sharing of the gospel, or a prayer for a neighbor in need. When we are willing to take a small step of faith for the Lord’s will, the Holy Spirit will guide us and give us wisdom and courage.
Brothers and sisters, let us not only enjoy the abundance within our sheepfold, but also embrace the heart of a shepherd. Let us be sensitive to the needs around us, bravely step out of the sheepfold, bear witness to the Lord’s love with our lives, and spread His salvation with our mouths, until more “other sheep” are found and join the flock of the Good Shepherd with us, sharing the bliss of eternal life. May we all become faithful participants in the mission of the Kingdom of God!
Rev. Alex Yip