“I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock and one Shepherd” (John 10:16). There are four outstanding points in this Scripture.
Other Sheep, Not of this Fold
Who were the sheep in the fold of Jesus Christ, the good shepherd? His disciples, the apostles and all who came to Him seeking salvation from sin, sorrow, trial and tribulation. There were many others who needed to be drawn to that sheepfold. Twelve or more were listed as listening to Peter’s sermon on that day of Pentecost, to say nothing of Jews, Greeks, Gentiles, Romans, as well as totally heathen pagan nations. Today there are 34,000 sects and denominations who claim some sort of connection with the Christ. They have created 3.5 million congregations, and claim a membership of 1.9 billion souls. There are sects which practice vile teachings of which Jesus would never approve. Millions still worship false gods, or even Satan himself. Would Jesus say I must bring them also?
I Must Bring them Also
Would Jesus say “I must bring them also” to just anyone? Yes, it is His will that all men come to repentance and be saved from their sins. The only way this can happen is if they “listen to my voice,” Jesus said. How can they believe in Him whom they have not heard, how shall they hear without a teacher, and what if no teacher comes to teach? How will they listen to his voice (Romans 10:13-15)?
They Will Listen to My Voice
Someone must come to be that voice. In the Limited Commission, Jesus sent men to the lost of the house of Israel. They went, taught and did many mighty works as the spokesmen (the voice of the Shepherd), and many believed and came to repentance. Later, Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples—and by extension to us also. “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). We, too, have been called to ‘listen to His voice.’ This was not just a request from Jesus; it was a command that applies to Christians today as well.
There Will Be One Flock and One Shepherd
When we have accepted the call, it is incumbent upon us all to do the job and do the job well. Not if but when we have done this job well, we shall all be one flock and Jesus shall be the One Shepherd.
