The scene is breathtaking. The pale blue sky is cloud free. A slight wind is rustling the leaves on the trees and blowing the tall, thick grass. The sun is cascading a perfect light upon the field. A shepherd boy is making his way through his herd of sheep. Even the noises are magnificent. There are no planes or cars to interrupt the slight sound of the shepherd boy’s stick bumping against one of the sheep every now and then, with the sheep baahing in return. It is a beautiful day in Palestine. The beauty, however, is suddenly destroyed when a few goats come running through the shepherd’s field, letting off a loud sound, deafening the distinct noises of the sheep. The goats stand in stark contrast to the sheep. Each has its own distinguishing marks.

Sheep are found throughout the Bible, often representing the righteous. Matthew mentions sheep earlier ― in Chapter 18 ― when he reminds the disciples of a shepherd’s willingness to go after one lost sheep. The separating of sheep and goats is also a common theme, beginning in Genesis when Jacob speaks of passing through Laban’s flock and separating every "speckled and spotted sheep and every black lamb, and the spotted and speckled among the goats."¹

When I read these stories, I like to think of myself as a sheep ― a pure creature without specks or spots. I like to think that I am one of the 99 obedient ones who are with the shepherd instead of the rebellious one who is the subject of a search. I like to think I am someone who will be able to sit on Jesus’ right instead of his left. Yet, after reading this acco

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