Jesus and the Sheep: A Testament of Compassion and Kinship. By Dr. Chapman Chen & Sister Sy

Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke of sheep with tenderness, respect, and deep relational care. His words and actions reveal not merely a utilitarian view of animals but a profound acknowledgment of their inherent worth — a message often overlooked in traditional interpretations.

In the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3–7 NIV), Jesus compares the love of God to a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to seek out the one who is lost. He speaks not of exploiting sheep, but of valuing each individual life so greatly that none are expendable.

This parable teaches that every living being matters — not merely as part of a collective, but as a unique soul deserving personal rescue and rejoicing. When questioned about healing on the Sabbath, Jesus responds: "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?" (Matthew 12:11 NIV). Here, Jesus prioritises the suffering of an animal over legalistic ritual, affirming that mercy is a higher law. He assumes, without needing to argue it, that rescuing a distressed sheep is self-evidently right — even sacred.

Most poignantly, Jesus identifies Himself as "the good shepherd" (John 10:11–18 NIV), declaring: "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." He does not speak of slaughtering sheep, nor of their subjugation for human use. Instead, He presents a model of self-sacrificial serving — a protector willing to give everything for the well-being of the vulnerable.

Other examples deepen this picture: In Matthew 9:36, Jesus looks upon the crowds and feels compassion for them, "because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus separates the righteous from the wicked as a shepherd separates sheep from goats, affirming the image of shepherding as one of care, discernment, and ultimate responsibility for the life and dignity of others.

Across His teachings, Jesus consistently portrays the sheep not as commodities, but as beloved beings — individuals to be nurtured, protected, and celebrated.

Taken together, these sayings and deeds reveal a vision where the weak and voiceless are cherished, where compassion overrides convenience, and where the heart of true mettle is found in service and sacrifice for all creation.

In Christ’s view of the sheep, we glimpse not domination, but kinship — a sacred bond that calls humanity not to exploit the vulnerable, but to lay down their lives in loving servanthood.