Luke 15:4-5- “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
I have heard this verse alot of times and I have often wondered why the shepherd would carry the sheep on his shoulders, rather than just herd it back. Researching this practice has come up with some very solid ideas about the practice. 1. Protection from predators that have come hearing the sheeps bleat. 2. To keep the sheep from getting lost again by following his previous path and 3. To develop a relationship of dependence so the sheep realizes he needs the shepherd to survive and can recognize his voice. It is no wonder that Christ is seen as the Good Shepherd in relationship to his flock. He is a shepherd not just a sheep herder as He cares for the entire flock and knows each sheep by name and they know His voice. It this relationship with Christ that brings us closer to Him, realizing that He is truly the Savior who carries us on his shoulders to keep us safe, guide our path and develop a relationship that leads to us knowing Him. Do we recognize His voice but most importantly do we take on the role of shepherd in the lives of others. Bringing them to the safety of Christ.
