“A Sheepish Endeavor”

This Sunday we are thinking about Jesus as the good shepherd. In this parable the image of Jesus followers is that as being the sheep. 

I can’t say that I know  too much about what sheep are like.  Sheep and shepherds were a universal experiences for the people of Jesus day.  At least at every Passover one of the main dishes was a lamb and lambs were often used in sacrifices.   The demand for lambs was likely great, but for most of us if we haven’t been in 4-H or grew up in a rural area, we  probably have no idea what raising sheep is like.

Therefore it is a little hard to connect with this image.  Still when we try , we may discover that it is difficult to see the idea of being a sheep as a positive image.  It turns out that sheep aren’t the smartest critters.   So what does it mean to be a sheep?  How can that image be helpful or even encouraging.

There in lies the thought for my sermon. 

It is probably worth listening to Ken Davis’ take on this question:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNoppHpPaAQ