Of all the ways Jesus could have described His relationship to His followers, why did He choose the shepherd and sheep analogy?  We are comparing a few of the ways that we are like sheep.
Yesterday, we looked at these three:
 
1.  Sheep are totally dependent upon the shepherd for their survival.
2.  Sheep are easily distracted.  
3.  Sheep are of great value to their shepherd.
 
Let’s look at two more ways:
 
4. Sheep need protection.
 
Sheep have the reputation of being “dumb” because of the way they protect themselves from predators.  They have no biting-type teeth, no claws, no quills, no odorous scent to spray, etc.  
 
Sheep defend themselves by simply fleeing.  When flocking together and running, they often bang into unseen obstacles, which makes them appear to be “stupid” when they are not.  
 
Jesus did not compare us to sheep because we are “dumb” or “stupid.” Jesus compares us to sheep because we are defenseless and unprotected without Him, the Good Shepherd.  We are like sheep without a shepherd. 
 
Matthew 9:36 (ESV)
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
 
Even running is no defense from fierce wolves who charge after them in packs. They must have a shepherd to protect them. When Paul spoke to the Ephesian Elders, he knew it was the last time he would see them.  Look at his last words to the elders/shepherds of the church…
 
Acts 20:28–31 (ESV)
28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
 
Paul refers to the church as the flock. He cautions the elders/shepherds to be on careful guard against ”fierce wolves,” who would seek to lead the members of the church away from the pure gospel of salvation through Christ and Christ alone.  Unfortunately, that warning still must be heeded by the overseers of the church today.  This is one of we who are shepherds’ highest mandates.  We must protect God’s flock from heretical teaching disguised s truth. 
 
Meditate on this for today…
 
5. Sheep are not meant to carry burdens.
 
You will never see a sheep carrying a pack on its back. Other animals are good for carrying things. But not sheep. They were not meant to carry a heavy load. They would be crushed under such a weighty burden.
 
Allow me to spiritualize this thought by saying, that perhaps we too like sheep are not meant to carry our burdens. We are to give the Shepherd our heavy load so He can carry it for us.
 
Psalm 55:22 (ESV)  “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you…”
 
“When you can’t sleep, don’t count sheep; talk to the shepherd.”