Circuit Thoughts

As I was reading from the book of John, I came across a rather enigmatic verse, “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also… (10:16). My first thought was, “Who are these other sheep?”

One thing that we must consider when contemplating this passage is that according to Jesus, his message was meant for the Jewish nation. In Matthew 15:21-28, he points out to the Canaanite woman that he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. So, at the very beginning we have a church that is a branch of Judaism and centered in Jerusalem. But this all changes in 70 C.E.

There was an uprising that General Titus was sent to squash, Jerusalem was conquered, and the temple was destroyed. Over 1.1 million citizens were killed during this campaign according to Josephus. The center of the church had to move.

Before all of this, Paul, Peter and others had been reaching out to the Gentiles and sharing the Gospel of Christ. Many of the non-Jewish persuasion were converted and churches were being established in other cities. So, when Christ talks about other sheep folds, it is safe to assume he was talking about the Gentile Pagans in the world at that time.

Jesus calls his followers to reach out to those in other sheep folds. We just need to identify what those sheep folds are. So, what are the other sheepfolds?

Addiction is a sheepfold. Those who are powerless in today’s world are in a sheepfold. The poor and hungry are a sheepfold. Those who need shelter and clothing are the sheepfold. Those who do not know Christ are a sheepfold. All we must do is open our eyes and hearts and we will see the other sheepfolds.

You see, Christ the shepherd is calling us to bring the sheep to his fold. Any other fold is deadly. Only Christ can offer life. The Good Shepherd protects and loves his sheep. He calls us to reach out and lead others to Christ.

Lead is the key concept here. Sheep will follow a shepherd, so we are called to shepherd people to Christ. Not force them or threaten them, but love and lead.

With all the anger and angst in the world, we need to do something. Christ is the answer to all the questions the world has. Through him we have hope and life, but so many are stuck in places where even angels fear to tread. Those are the places we need to go. If you have 99 in church, you still need to seek that lost one. If you see someone hurting and alone, you need to lead them to healing and community.

We are the other sheep, and we are now part of this fold, so let’s bring in those who are not of this fold. Let’s bring the lost, tired, sore, and captive to Christ.

See you in church.