The primary elements of the gospel message are very basic. It is not reserved for the privileged of circumstance or for those with special ability.
We need to be constantly reminded of this because we have a tendency to stray. In fact, this tendency to wander off seems more pronounced among the privileged in circumstance and ability.
That's why Jesus often used the analogy of sheep when describing our nature. He wasn't the first to use this analogy. You see it scattered throughout the Old Testament. But I believe Enoch, was the first to record this use in one of his dream-visions. Another character that re-occurs frequently in this same vision is the "Lord of the sheep".
"And the Lord of the sheep went with them, as their leader, and all His sheep followed Him"
Enoch 89:22
The above quotation is describing the leading role of the "Lord of the sheep" as He led Israel out of captivity in Egypt - an event future to Enoch but in our history.
One of the best illustrations of the relationship between sheep and the Lord of the sheep comes from the Gospel of John. Let's break it down - [insertions mine].
“Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold by the gate [Jesus is the gate - see ahead], but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber [There is NO other way]. But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep [Jesus is also the shepherd - see ahead]. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice [His Spirit]. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
[His Spirit "bears witness with our spirit" and "leads us". For a detailed illustration of the leading role of the Holy Spirit - see John 14 - 17}
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them [Jesus is the first - and was the first to be resurrected], and his sheep follow him because they know his voice [His Spirit guides us]. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize his voice.” [again - His Spirit leads]
Jesus spoke to them using this illustration, but they did not understand what He was telling them. So He said to them again, “Truly, truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me [by His Spirit], just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. I have other sheep [Gentiles] that are not of this fold [Israel]. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice [His Spirit]. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.
John 10:1-15
