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:
