Ah yes, the ages old image of Jesus, the oh so compassionate Shepherd, (my personal favorite being "Russell Crowe Jesus" on the right) carrying the little youngling on His broad, strong, carpenter's shoulders.Or is it?
This Sunday we looked at what the role (and task list) of a really rockin' good shepherd really is. In it, we uncovered the "truth behind the image" as to exactly why this cute little sheep is resting on the shoulders of its protector. Turns out, this little sheep has a bit of a rebellious streak in him. When a sheep would wander from the flock out on its own, a good shepherd (not a minimum wage hired hand) would go out, find that sheep (to spare it from wolves, attack, theft, or hunger/thirst) and then do what anyone would think to do: break its legs.
Yep, that's right, break its legs...mafia style. Seem a little harsh? I think so. But here is what would happen next. The shepherd would then pick up the sheep and put it on his shoulders and carry the sheep back to the flock. After that, the sheep would continue to remain on the shepherd's shoulders as he witnessed and learned that the shepherd takes care of the flock, protects them, and feeds them. Once the sheep is able to hobble, it does so, but stays close to the shepherd because it can't quite keep up. Once the sheep is back to full health, it may mingle amidst the flock, but it will never leave the flock or the immediate presence of the shepherd ever again. It simply knows better by then.I'm sure you see the parallel. A Good Shepherd keeps His flock together and wants to teach each individual the importance of being dependent on Himself and under the care and protection and unity of the flock. No matter what the cost, a true Good Shepherd knows what is best, for the long haul, for every sheep.
It's some tough love, mafia style, but it's a lesson a poor, dumb, lost little sheep will never forget, and will ultimately be spared from being lost again, subject to wolves, thieves, and starvation.
