As a Flower Turns Toward the Sun

When asked to explain the differences between herding cattle and tending sheep, a Texas rancher explained: You’ve got to herd Cows. We know they act in predictable ways, shying away from someone waving a stick at them. They also know enough not to get too concerned when they see that stick. They just don’t panic easily.

On the other hand, sheep are not smart enough to herd. Sheep, out of their ignorance, panic easily. To handle sheep, the shepherd must condition them to trust and to follow. You can’t herd sheep like cows. You must lead them. For their safety and survival, sheep need to rely on their relationship with the shepherd.

It’s easy to see why Jesus identifies Himself…