In the parts one and two of this series, we looked at the cultural context of shepherding and how God the Father and Jesus use shepherd imagery in Scripture. Now we explore what it means for us to be the sheep. 

When the leadership failed to be good shepherds to God’s people, God promised through the prophets that He would be their shepherd. Jesus claimed this role when He taught, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10.11).

This implies that we, Jesus’ flock, are His sheep. What does it mean to be a sheep?

In biblical culture, sheep and goats were both necessary components of the economy as they provided resources in addition to sacrifices. Sheep gave wool, milk products, and materials for soap and candles. Goats also gave milk, and their hair was turned into rope and a durable cloth used in tents, sacks, and blankets. Even animals that had died were useful as skin was turned into leather and bones into knives. 

Neither sheep nor goats were used primarily for meat. Only the small upper class could afford to kill off flocks and thus deprive themselves of future milk products, cloth, and progeny. This helps us to understand that the sacrifice of a sheep was truly an economic sacrifice. The meat of a sacrifice would be eaten in a celebratory meal, but it came with knowing the loss of useful products, dairy foods, and offspring.

The sheep of the ancient biblical region were able to store fat, so they could survive in the autumn and winter seasons when food was sparse. They were tolerant of dehydration, which made them good animals for the hot and dry summers. 

As a rule, sheep like to herd together for protection and warmth, and they will follow one another. Sheep of the biblical region were known for their docile temperament, and thus they did not struggle during shearing or slaughter.

The goats that inhabited the area were also able to withstand dry conditions.

Unlike sheep, goats eat a wider variety of foods, and they have a more independent mindset. While goats reproduce more quickly than sheep, they have a shorter life expectancy. 

When Jesus speaks of being our shepherd, it is always in reference to sheep, not goats. In fact, when speaking of the time of judgment, Jesus states that the sheep will be separated from the goats (Matthew 25:32-33). Why are goats outcast? 

Due to their shorter lifespan, goats were less valued than sheep.  Their independent attitudes and stubbornness made them more challenging to control than sheep. Thus, docile sheep have the more positive reputation and become the metaphor for obedient followers of Jesus.

Two thousand years later, we are being led by Jesus and so are called to be like sheep. Jesus makes this clear in John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” What does this mean for us today? 

First, recall from Part Two that the good shepherd knows His flock – He knows which sheep need more nourishment and rest, and He will seek out the lost Himself. Thus, we can trust that we are known by Jesus and He is keeping an eye out for us. 

Do we trust Him with all areas of our lives, or only some of them? Do we believe He is aware of all our needs?

Second, in the process of coming to know the flock, the shepherd goes through the flock, naming the sheep and talking to them. Why? This serves the practical purpose of being able to sort the flocks when they are mixed together for grazing. In Biblical times, and still today, shepherds may combine flocks. To separate the animals, the shepherds will stand around the edges of the mixed herd and call to their sheep. The sheep will separate themselves by walking to the familiar voice. 

This should cause us to consider if we recognize the voice of our Shepherd. In our modern era, Jesus may use a variety of media to call us: priests, teachers, spiritual writing, music, radio and TV, and of course Scripture. Are we attentive to His voice, no matter the medium? Or do we dismiss His voice because we don’t like how it is presented?

Third, the sheep are to follow their shepherd. There are two main ways flocks are managed: by being led, or by being driven. Typically, a shepherd calls to the sheep and they follow behind. But sometimes there are distractions, such as fields where they are not to feed, or a cliff that looks inviting to climb. In this case, the shepherd may have to drive them forward to keep them from leaving the right path. 

Do we allow ourselves to be distracted so that our Shepherd has to come with His crook to push us forward? Or are we docile in spirit so that we can follow Him?

When we live in trust, seek out Jesus’ voice, and follow where He leads, we can live confidently knowing that, like the shepherd of Psalm 23, He will lead us to good pastures and into eternal life (John 10:28).