This reflection, however will take a different approach to the John 10 text. We will focus on verse 16 and the “other sheep” of which our Lord speaks. In the original context, Jesus mentioning that he has come for those outside the chosen people of God would be outlandish enough in itself. Beyond that, as the Word of God for all the ages, it is worth some time to consider what doors this reference opens for us in 21st century
North Carolina
.
In stating that he has 'other sheep that are not of this fold', Jesus makes it clear that in his view, the normal boundaries of acceptable human contact no longer apply. He demonstrates this throughout the gospels by his choice of disciples; by his public conversations with women, some of them known to have a sinful reputation, even women of foreign origins; by his contact with lepers and the blind; by inviting children to take part in public gatherings. Now, some two millennia later, this text invites us to consider how far the reach of this good shepherd extends. Who are the “other sheep” in today’s world? With the phenomenal developments in communications, transportation, and cultures, what does it mean for us to see them as part of the same flock as ourselves?
As a good friend of mine likes to remind us, the body of Christ is not a metaphor. We, the Christian community, are truly the hands, feet, face, and voice of Christ in the world. As the ones bringing the message of the Good Shepherd for all to hear, we are responsible for lifting up his message of love, care, mercy, and forgiveness. We are not called to make all of the sheep the same color, or walk the same way, or even make the same sounds. Our task is to provide for the needs and protection of the flock. Often that means doing what we can to make available food, clothing, shelter, medicine, comfort, support, and hope.
Exclusiveness is seductive. As followers of Jesus, we need to be ready to examine our own attitudes and motivations. When exclusivity rises to the surface, it is time to take a look at where it comes from and how we can best react. Is our own faith so insecure that it is threatened by learning about the faiths of our neighbors? How will our neighbors of other faiths come to know the love, grace, and mercy of Christ if the followers of Jesus refuse any contact with them?
There are plenty of “preachers” broadcasting message of hate and fear of other religions. They tend to create barriers of misunderstanding and false stereotypes. They sow seeds of mistrust and suspicion. The approach Jesus models is one of openness, face-to-face communication, and acceptance of the person in spite of his/her labels or race or religion or culture or family situation. Jesus has good news to share with all who will receive it.
A fear exists among some Christians that knowledge of other religions will somehow endanger or weaken their own faith. Contact with non-Christians will render their own belief somehow less pure. The medical image is that one risks becoming infected with a foreign virus through contact with its carrier. By contrast, the model that Jesus presents is exactly the opposite. Rather than withdraw from the “other sheep,” he seeks them out. Instead of fearing an infection through contact with those unlike himself, he offers them a cure. That cure, of course, is the forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love that God alone can offer.
In 21st century
North Carolina
we have many and various ways to come into contact with “other sheep.” Will we stick to our own kind, work to create a Christian enclave where we feel safe and secure, free from any risk? Or, will we be the welcoming face, the open hands, the purposeful feet, and the compassionate voice of Christ in the world so that all may know the love of God?
I have had the good fortune to be associated with The Interfaith Alliance of Wake County for about seven years. During that time I have made a wide variety of friends from different faiths and cultures. I have come to understand how their faith forms their lives. I have discovered many areas where my beliefs coincide with theirs, as well as many ideas that are completely foreign to me. In my view, I am more faithful to my religion and my view of God when I am interacting with these friends than if I would deliberately refuse to have any contact with anyone but other Christians. It is my place as a follower of Christ to live my faith in the world, to do so with anyone with whom I come in contact, to reach across boundaries and work to build bridges of understanding and appreciation for the other. I see Jesus doing that regularly in the gospels, and good things follow as a result. I strive to emulate him in my own life and give opportunity for good things to follow. I do not think we can do any less.
By Rev. David Amidon, St. Philip Lutheran,
Raleigh
, President, Interfaith
Alliance
of Wake Co.
