The Vision (6.1.18): One Pasture, One Pastor

Note: Devotion taken from last Sunday's sermon on John 10:16-21.

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice: and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd (John 10:16).

After identifying the “other sheep” in v. 16 (Gentile believers and those who will come to Christ through the ministry of the apostles), the Lord Jesus proceeds to say at least three important things concerning them:

First, he describes the necessity of their salvation: “them also I must bring.” The particle dei is used here. It conveys a sense of necessity or compulsion. It is not just possible that these other sheep will be brought in by the shepherd. It is necessary. It is inevitable. Christ is compelled to bring them into his flock. What confidence this should supply to us in our evangelism! We should never be morose or discouraged. Christ must bring in all who are his.

Second, he describes their recognition of him: “and they shall hear my voice.” This demolishes any notion of “anonymous” salvation. How will they hear the voice of Christ after his ascension? In the faithful reading and preaching of his word. They will receive the external call and the internal, effectual call of God. And they will recognize the voice of their Shepherd.

Third, he describes the unity of his sheep: “and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” Notice the “and” is in italic in the KJV, as a word supplied by the translators. In the original Greek there is a striking play on words: mia poimne [one fold or flock], eis poimen [one shepherd]. In English we might approximate this by translating: “one pasture, one Pastor.” We are the flock in his pasture, and Christ is our Pastor-Shepherd. The source of our unity is not that we are all the same but that we follow the same Shepherd.

Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle