Conclusion of The Fine Shepherd and the Sheepfolds

Further explaining his role, Jesus says: "I have come so that  they may have life and have it in abundance. I am the find  shepherd, the fine shepherd surrenders his life in behalf of the sheep." (John 10:10, 11) Jesus had earlier comforted his disciples by saying: "Have no fear little flock, for your Father has approved of giving you the Kingdom."  (Luke 12:32)  Indeed, those who make up the "little flock" are ones Jesus  will lead into a new sheepfold, so that they may "have life  and have it in abundance."  What a  blessing to be part of that flock!

Jesus does not end the matter there, though.  He observes:  "I have other sheep which are not of this fold; those too I must bring in, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd."  (John 10:16) "These "other sheep" are "not of this fold." Hence, they must be of another fold, different from the "little flock" who will inherit the Kingdom.  These  two folds, or pens of sheep, have different destinies. Still, the sheep in both folds will benefit from Jesus' role.  "This is why the Father loves me, because I surrender my life." - JOHN 10:17. 

Many of the crowd respond: "He has a demon and is out of his mind." Yet others show that they are listening with interest and are inclined to follow the Fine Shepherd.  They say: "These are not the sayings of a demonized man. A  demon cannot open blind people's eyes, can it? ( John 10:20, 21)  They evidently are referring to Jesus' earlier curing of the man born blind.

Next time: One With the Father, But Not God

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