Sheep are incredibly stupid and predictable and Jesus says we are like sheep. How very offensive, I hear you cry! Rude, Jesus.

Here is what he actually says in John 10:14-15, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep."

The truth is we are predictable if you think about it. We fall into the same trouble time and time again. We wander off from relationship with God very easily. And we regularly find ourselves asking of for help, needing to be saved. This is just like the sheep that Jesus describes. 

However, I believe there is a problem when we take this too far and think of ourselves only as sheep. Jesus used this as an illustration to help people understand their need for him and his commitment to them. But if this ovine image consumes our character we become fearful, dutiful and timid Christians. This is truly dangerous as it leads to inactive, safe followers who never challenge the status quo. 

It is true that we are like sheep, but we are also like royalty. In Romans 8:17, we see St Paul saying, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” What an incredible perspective - that we are seen by God as royalty in his Kingdom.

Unfortunately, some people take this too far as well and become self righteous and proud. Being a co-heir with Christ is a grand position and, if misunderstood, can cause an overinflated sense of self-importance. 

The key here is to hold both truths in tension. We are obedient followers, but we are also co-heirs in the Kingdom. Inheritors. This means that we pioneer, explore and act responsibly with regards to our future. 

I believe that the church has a responsibility to evaluate the kind of disciples it is making. Are we making submissive, weak-minded sheep who will don't challenge anything and wait to be fed? Or are we making pompous, sanctimonious, know-it-alls who forget their need for a saviour? Or are we making Royal Sheep who follow the King and build his Kingdom with him?

Let's make sure it is the latter!