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We, The Sheep

 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. (John 10:10)
          It’s odd in a way; Joseph told his brothers not to admit to the Egyptians that they were shepherds, because the Egyptians despised shepherds. David was the despised little brother who was sent off to mind the sheep. Folks in Jesus’ day didn’t think much of shepherds. I can’t really blame them. I suspect I’m like most people: lambs are cute, but sheep are smelly, stupid, stubborn, and silly. They are useful, but not something I would want to have in my back yard. And those who care for them spend a lot of time outside with them. At least back in Jesus’ day, I’ve no doubt they smelled like sheep.
         This is the image Jesus uses. We are filthy, stupid sheep. Good shepherds care for us anyway, protecting us from predators and from our own silliness. The Good Shepherd laid down His life for us. He left His city, and became odious, stinking of sin like the sheep He tends.
          I doubt sheep realize how stupid, silly, or stinky they are. They probably think they’re bright, intrepid, and attractive. If they get stuck, or in danger, it’s someone else’s fault. That’s why they need a good shepherd. Oh yes, we are very like sheep, and He is the Good Shepherd.

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