In John 10:16, Jesus says, “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.” This verse has significant implications for understanding Jesus’ mission and the inclusive nature of salvation.
To understand this verse, it’s important to know the context. Jesus was speaking to Jewish people who were questioning Him and accusing Him of demon possession (John 10:19-21). Jesus responds using a sheep and shepherd analogy. He refers to Himself as the “good shepherd” (John 10:11) and to believers, particularly Jewish believers, as His “sheep” (John 10:4). The “sheepfold” or “pen” refers to Judaism.
So when Jesus speaks of “other sheep I have, which are not of this fold,” He is referring to Gentile (non-Jewish) believers. Jesus is indicating that His plan is to bring Gentiles into the fold of faith, so there will be “one flock and one shepherd.” This would have been revolutionary to His Jewish audience, who saw salvation as exclusive to the Jews.
Jesus’ statement reveals several key truths:
- Jesus’ mission is inclusive – It is not just for the Jews, but also includes Gentiles.
- Salvation is available to all people – Not just a select nation or race.
- All believers in Christ are one flock – There is unity and equality among Christians of all backgrounds.
- Jesus is the one true shepherd – He brings both Jews and Gentiles into a relationship with God.
The fulfillment of this prophecy began after Jesus’ resurrection when the Gospel started reaching the Gentile world. Peter received a vision from God indicating that the message of salvation should be preached to the Gentiles (Acts 10). The apostle Paul was commissioned as “the apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13). People of all nations, tribes, and tongues were brought into the kingdom of God.
Today, Jesus’ words remain meaningful. Christianity has spread globally, far beyond its Jewish roots. There are churches and believers everywhere proclaiming Jesus as Lord. As Ephesians 2:14-18 describes, Jesus has broken down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles through His death. He has united people from all backgrounds into one family of God.
In summary, when Jesus spoke of “other sheep” that would become part of His one flock, He was proclaiming that salvation would be open to people of all nationalities and backgrounds. Through Christ, Gentiles are adopted into God’s family right along with Jews. This demonstrates the inclusiveness, equality, and unity of the Body of Christ.
1. Jesus’ Mission Was Inclusive
When Jesus referred to “other sheep” who would become part of His flock, it showed that His mission went beyond just the Jews. Jesus came not only for the Jewish nation, but also for the rest of the world. Several other Bible passages affirm this inclusive mission:
- “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.” (Psalm 2:8)
- “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)
- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Jesus broke down ethnic and cultural barriers. He ministered to Samaritans (John 4) and Gentiles like the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). He commanded His followers to take the Gospel to “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus as the “Lamb of God” was slain for the sins of the whole world (John 1:29).
The inclusive nature of Jesus’ mission symbolically tore down the dividing wall that separated Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14). He united people from different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds into one body.
2. Salvation Is Open to All People
Not only was Jesus’ earthly ministry inclusive, but His death also opened the door of salvation to the entire world. Jesus died for the sins of both Jews and Gentiles. He welcomes all who come to Him in faith into God’s family. Several verses communicate this offer of open salvation:
- “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
- “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
- “And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9)
Race, ethnicity, gender, social status, and background make no difference when it comes to salvation. The distinctions that separated people under the Law of Moses were abolished through Christ (Ephesians 2:15). All people can be saved by the same means – through repentance and faith in Jesus (John 3:16).
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was sufficient for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). His invitation and command is that the Gospel be preached to all creation (Mark 16:15). Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13).
3. All Believers Are One Flock
Jesus said that there would be “one flock, one shepherd.” His death has made Jews and Gentiles into one body of believers. Though the first Christians were Jewish, the church quickly expanded to encompass all nationalities. The book of Acts describes the first Gentile conversions in Caesarea and Antioch (Acts 10, 11:19-26).
Several key passages speak to the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ:
- “There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
- “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3:11)
- “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14)
Jew and Gentile distinctions are erased in Christ. All believers become part of the same family through adoption by the Father (Romans 8:15). Unity in Christ transcends differences in culture, background, race, social status, or gender.
Local churches were meant to reflect this inclusive unity. In Christ, there should be no divisions based on ethnic or social differences. The first church council affirmed that Gentiles did not need to become culturally “Jewish” to fully belong to God’s people (Acts 15). All are equally part of God’s flock.
4. Jesus Is the One True Shepherd
Jesus described Himself as the “good shepherd” who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). As the one true shepherd, Jesus alone can grant access to salvation:
- “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
- “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
- “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5)
Only through trusting in Christ’s sacrifice can anyone be saved – both Jews and Gentiles. Salvation cannot be attained through good works, moral living, or ethnic heritage. Jesus alone reconciles humanity to the Father and unites people to Himself.
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus tenderly cares for and nurtures His people from every nation. He lays down His life for all the sheep – both Jew and Gentile. When He calls His flock, they recognize His voice and follow Him (John 10:3-4, 27).
5. Fulfillment of the Prophecy
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the early church saw the fulfillment of His words in John 10:16. The Gospel message burst forth from Jerusalem and spread rapidly across the Roman Empire. Here is how it unfolded:
- Pentecost: The Holy Spirit was poured out on Jews from all over the world who had gathered in Jerusalem (Acts 2). Thousands were saved and took the Gospel back to their homelands.
- Samaria: Philip preached the Gospel in Samaria resulting in many converts, demonstrating the Gospel was for more than just Jews (Acts 8).
- Gentile converts: Cornelius and his household (Acts 10) were the first Gentile converts. Soon large numbers of Gentiles believed the Gospel (Acts 11:19-26).
- Vision to Paul: The Lord affirmed His inclusive mission by calling Paul to take the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 26:15-18).
- Jerusalem Council: Church leaders affirmed Gentiles did not need to follow Jewish customs (Acts 15).
Within a generation, there were thriving churches across the Roman world full of both Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul’s missionary journeys established many of these churches. Jesus’ words were fulfilled – people from all nations were united into one flock under Christ the Shepherd.
6. Significance for the Church Today
The truth of John 10:16 remains relevant today. As the end of the age approaches, believers still wait for the day when the full number of Gentiles will come to salvation and all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:25-27). Jesus’ inclusive mission goes on through His church.
Here are some ways these truths continue to shape the church’s mission:
- The Gospel must be preached to all people groups across the world (Matthew 24:14).
- Churches should reflect God’s heart for inclusiveness and ethnic diversity.
- No one culture or ethnic group has a monopoly on the Gospel.
- Unity in Christ transcends all human divisions (Galatians 3:28).
- Christ-followers have a worldwide family – brothers and sisters of all tribes and tongues.
- God welcomes people from all backgrounds when they come in repentance and faith.
Jesus tore down the walls that separated people under the old covenant. Through His death, He formed one new, united, and inclusive people of God. As His church, we are called to continually extend His gracious invitation to people from every nation and background.
One day, by God’s grace, the full number of Gentiles will come in and all Israel will be saved. Christ’s flock will be complete. What a great day of rejoicing that will be for the Good Shepherd and His diverse, inclusive flock!