One Flock

"And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd." - John 10:16

This past week we had a missionary come visit our congregation. What was amazing was the rabbit trail he sent me down. Do you know how many different types of sheep there are? There are more than 200 distinct breeds of sheep! There are skinny sheep. Fluffy sheep. Hairy sheep. Sheep with horns. Sheep with nubs. There are black sheep, white sheep, brown sheep, spotted sheep, and straight down the middle half-colored sheep. There are short-tailed sheep and there are fat-tailed sheep.

The point this missionary was making was that Jesus had other sheep. They didn't sound like the Jewish sheep. They may not have looked like the Jewish sheep. They may not have been the same color as the Jewish sheep. But, they were Jesus's sheep and he was bound and determined to save them. Jesus would call and they would answer.

The Great Commission

It took some time for the Apostles to understand this but eventually they got it. Jesus had told them that they were to preach the good news to all creation. They had heard the commission to make disciples of all nations. They had been told just before the ascension of Jesus that they were going to witness of Jesus, "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Half Breeds

But, the Apostles were surprised when the Samaritans believed in Acts 8. Why? They were half-breeds. They didn't look like them. They weren't of the Jewish fold. But, they were of God's elect. God by His grace had saved those believing Samaritans.

"Others"

But, the Apostles were surprised again when the Holy Spirit called complete Gentiles to faith. In Acts 10 the Holy Spirit coordinates the meeting between Jewish Peter and Roman Cornelius. The Lord had to do some arm twisting to get Peter to realize this was His choice. Why? Because Jesus had other sheep. They were astonished.

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
Acts 10:44–46.

One Shepherd

Praise God for His expansive vision of the covenant of grace. Praise God there is one hope, one faith, one baptism, one Lord and Savior of all - Jesus Christ. There is one flock and one shepherd. One pasture and one Pastor.

The gospel is highly offensive but broadly applicable to all people everywhere.

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!
For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm 117