FROM MY FILES: In Palestine flocks of sheep and herds of goats are plentiful. They dot the countryside, clutter up highways, crowd the streets of towns and villages. Sheep have shepherds and goats have goatherds. The shepherd with his long staff walks in front of his flock and his sheep follow him. In fact, they crowd around so closely they hamper the shepherds movement. On the other hand, the goatherd carries a short stick and walks behind his herd to keep his goats together and moving in the right direction. He has his hands full. Goats are individualists, impulsive and self-willed. They dart off in all directions on personal missions of their own. Sheep-calling contests are common in Palestine. Several flocks are placed in an enclosure and mixed together. Then shepherds whistle a distinctive tune; some call or shout in a peculiar manner. Some shepherds use a pipe with a particular pitch. Each shepherds signal is understood by his own sheep and they respond immediately. They make their way through the crowded enclosure to where their shepherd is waiting. The shepherd who collects a given number of sheep in the shortest time is the winner of the contest. When Jesus mentioned sheep and goats in contrast he knew where of he spoke. There is a difference, not only in appearance but in nature and behavior. Goats are not responsive to leadership. They have to be driven. Sheep know their shepherds voice and follow him.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 12:51:41 +0000
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