“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. For this reason, the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10: 16-18

Unity under Jesus. That is what it means to be His sheep. Made one. This is a powerful, yet conflicting image, especially for those listening to Jesus’ teachings in His time on earth. Jesus came to...