According to John 10:16, what does “the other sheep” refer to?
According to John 10:16, what does “the other sheep” refer to?
“And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” – John 10:16
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What does “the other sheep” refer to? Gentiles? A great multitude?
Firstly, the main purpose of Jesus’ coming was to focus on the Kingdom of God. Therefore, most of his teaching was about God’s Kingdom.
“but he[Jesus] said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”” – Luke 4:43
“I am[Jesus] the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” – John 10:9
Jesus being “the door” means that “those” who could enter the God’s Kingdom through this door (Jesus), they are the group belonging to “one flock”. It seems they belong to two different groups as Jesus said in John 10:16, but they will be combined to become one flock. So who are these two groups?
These two groups seem referring to “the chosen ones”, the “144,000 saints”, “God’s sons” and the offspring. The first group was chosen from the fleshly Israelites; the other group was chosen from the Gentiles. Is that true?
“13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles… 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits (Israelites the first part) is holy, so is the whole lump (one flock), and if the root (Israelites) is holy, so are the branches (Gentiles).” – Romans 11:13,16
“and you[Gentiles], although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree” – Romans 11:17
Originally, all the sheep who could be God’s Kingdom are chosen from Israelites. But now Gentiles are allowed to be grafted into the root of Israel. They become the “other sheep”, so that the whole plant becomes “one flock” of Israel, all of them are sons of heavenly Israel to become God’s Kingdom – the “New Jerusalem”.
Therefore, the first part of the flock consists of the saints who are chosen from the Israelites – maybe before AD 70. The “other sheep” is the part chosen from the Gentiles. The key finishing point is the number of the chosen Gentiles — the fullness of Gentiles. When that number reaches its fullness, God’s Kingdom will be complete.
“I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the “Gentiles” has come in.” – Remans 11:25
“Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!” – Romans 11:12
But could “a great multitude” be the “other sheep” that Jesus meant? It seems not. Why?
Firstly, as mentioned above, the main purpose of Jesus’ coming was focused on God’s Kingdom, so everything he spoke about was related to the Kingdom of God. When Jesus said he is “the door,” he was referring to those who can enter the heavenly Kingdom and become God’s sons — the chosen ones.
“And again he(Jesus) said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house(Father God) has risen and shut the door…” – Luke 13:20,24-25
Another reason is that “A Great Multitude” cannot combine with those who enter God’s Kingdom to become “one flock”. Why?
Because the chosen ones will be kings and priests in God’s Kingdom. They are the Bride of the Lamb — the New Jerusalem. Therefore, “A Great Multitude” cannot be combined with the Bride into “one flock,” even though they could also be called “sheep” by Jesus. “A great multitude” is honored to be invited to attend the marriage supper of the Lamb and the Bride, but clearly they are not the same group as the Bride.
6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude… crying out,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
– Revelation 19:6-7,9
Please also read <The Mystery of Kingdom of God>, <Who are the 144000>, <The New Jerusalem>.
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