My devotional guide has specific readings for the days immediately following Epiphany (January 6). As a result, two passages from John fall even more closely together. They are verses I speak of often, in theological discussions about differing faith traditions.
In John 14 we read a verse that is often quoted by those seeking to understand that which is particular about being a Christian. Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me." This verse was part of this morning's appointed text.
Yesterday morning I was directed to John 10. There, in the 16th verse, Jesus says "I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd." This verse is helpful to those seeking to understand how we are to approach those of differing spiritual traditions.
Harvey Cox calls this the tension between the particular and the universal.
I want to share with the whole world the Good News of Jesus. In Jesus I find the pathway to shalom. I believe that Jesus is the answer to the questions and fears which plague us and seek to distract us. I have come to this conviction because of the gentle way in which Jesus (and his followers) have shepherded me (remember yesterday's devotion.) This type of care is offered, by Jesus, to all the world's inhabitants.
I can look back and speculate on how the sheep got divided into various folds. I can lament the divisions which make it the way it is. The important thing, it seems, is to follow Jesus in understanding that the end is not reached until we are one flock. The one who shepherds us wanted it that way. And so will I.
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