One Flock

"I am the Good Shepherd and know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, in another fold. I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice; and there will be one flock with one Shepherd."  John 10:14-16

Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Church of Christ, Bible Fellowship—and the list of Christian denominations goes on.  Even within these denominations there are denominations.

But is this really what Jesus had in mind?  The verse above tells us that Jesus had in mind one flock with one Shepherd. 

Often, Christians quibble over the smallest detail, eager to demonize the actions of others rather than seeking love in the matter.  Romans 14:1 tells us, “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.”

In John 17, there is a beautiful prayer that Jesus prays to the Father before His betrayal and crucifixion.  It is a prayer for all generations, and it perfectly depicts His desire for us.

John 17:22–23 says, “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”

May all of God’s sheep come together in the unity and love that He has purposed for us.