One Flock, One Shepherd

Read

John 10:16 “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.”

Think

Think about the biggest group you have ever been a part of. Maybe a whole school at an assembly, or a stadium packed with people cheering. Now imagine every single one of them belonged to the same family, all watched over by the same loving person. That is a little bit like what Jesus is talking about here.

Jesus says he has sheep in other pens too, and he wants to bring them all together into one flock with one shepherd. He is not just talking about people who look like you or live near you. He is talking about kids and grown-ups all over the whole world.

That is a beautiful thing about following Jesus. You are never the only one. Right now, all around the planet, there are people listening for the same shepherd’s voice you are learning to hear. Different languages. Different foods. Different colors of skin. Same shepherd. Some of them are waking up while you are going to sleep, because they live on the other side of the world. And all of them belong to Jesus, just like you.

Here is the bridge to your life. When you feel left out or alone, remember this. Belonging to Jesus means you belong to the biggest, most loving flock there has ever been. You have brothers and sisters everywhere who love the same God you do. You may never meet most of them here, but you are on the same team, following the same shepherd home.

And Jesus said his sheep will listen to his voice. That is the thread running through this whole week. The shepherd calls, and the sheep, all of them, from everywhere, lift their heads and come.

So you are learning the shepherd’s voice, and so are a whole lot of other people you have never even met. One day the whole flock will be together. Until then, keep listening. You are part of something huge.

Apply

Remember the flock – Think of one person you know who also loves Jesus, maybe a friend, a cousin, or a grandparent. Tell them today, “I’m glad we’re in the same flock.” It will make both of you smile.

Pray

God, thank you that I am never alone when I follow you. Thank you for putting me in a huge flock with people all over the world. Help me love your people and remember I belong to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.