Luke 12:32: “Have no fear, little flock, because YOUR Father has approved of giving YOU the kingdom."
John 10: 16: “And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd."
2007-02-05 02:24:14 · 16 answers · asked by wannaknow 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Luke 12:32 ~ Jesus was speaking to his disciples...calling them a “little flock.” Jesus referred to this rulership, or government, as “the kingdom of the heavens” or “the kingdom of God.” It was not intended that great masses of mankind be included in this administrative body. Thus, Jesus referred to it as a “little flock.” In the original language used in this part of the Bible, the word “little” (mi·kros′) is the opposite of great (me′gas), and its use at Luke 12:32 refers to quantity or fewness in number. Hence, membership in “the kingdom of the heavens” does not allow for an unlimited number. To illustrate: If you were asked to pour a little water into a glass, you would make sure that it did not overflow. So, too, the “little flock” cannot be made up of overflowing numbers of people. God’s Kingdom has a set (“little”) number of corulers with Christ. The exact number of these rulers, 144,000, was revealed to the apostle John at Revelation 14:1, 4.
John 10:16 ~ Most people generally take the view that these "other sheep" are Gentile Christians and that those in the sheepfold referred to earlier are Jewish, those who were under the Law covenant, and that both groups go to heaven. But they're failing to take into account an important aspect of God’s purpose.
When Jehovah God created the first humans and put them in the garden of Eden, he made it clear that his purpose was that the earth be populated, that all of it be a paradise, and that its human caretakers enjoy life forever—on the condition that they respect and obey their Creator. When Adam sinned, God's purpose was not ruined. No, instead, He lovingly made a provision for Adam's offspring to enjoy what Adam had failed to appreciate. Jehovah foretold that he would raise up a deliverer, a seed, through whom blessings would be made available to all nations. (Genesis 22:18) That promise did not mean that all good people on earth would be taken to heaven. Jesus taught his followers to pray: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, *also upon earth*.” (Matthew 6:9, 10) All this ties in with what Jesus told his disciples at Luke 12:32. It was only the "little flock", whom Jehovah himself had approved of, that would gain the heavenly Kingdom. Therefore, these "other sheep" are ones who *do not* have the great honor of going to heaven, but *do* have the wonderful privilege of living forever upon the earth. (Psalms 37:10,11,29) Hope I've helped...my apologies for the length.
Rachel :)
2007-02-05 06:29:34 · answer #1 · answered by Rachel B 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You are obviously a JW.
The scriptures you refer to do not pertain to a 144,000 anointed heavenly class of believers & those who will dwell on "paradise earth" as the Watchtower erroneously teach.
The context - The Lord Jesus speaking as a Jewish rabbi to Jews in Jerusalem - demands that the proper interpretation is that the "little flock" refers to physical Jews. The "other sheep" are Gentiles who the Lord would eventually bring to salvation following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. See also Ephesians chapter 2:11 - 3:6, which speaks of Jew & Gentile becoming one through faith in Christ. This corresponds to the "one flock" in John 10:16.
Please remember when studying the Bible - context! Many WT interpretations of Bible passages ignore this.
Please read the Bible - Not the Watchtower !
May God be gracious to you and guide you into HIS truth.
2007-02-05 02:37:19 · answer #2 · answered by Carlito 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The first passage really needs to be read in context to understand it read vv. 22-40, that will help, also the references to Isa. 40:11, Zech. 13:7, Jn 21:15-17, and Mat. 25:34. He is speaking about how God wants to give us eternal life and how striving for that is the most important of human endeavors.
The last passage again needs to be read in context and is speaking of the salvation of non-Jews. Read vv. 1-18. also Isa. 56:8, and Chapter 11:52 of John, and Eph. 2:14-17. This verse is what Mormons use to justify there belief that Christ came to North America.
2007-02-05 02:36:25 · answer #3 · answered by HAND 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Luke 12:32 refers to all of GO D's creatures being his. He was giving instructions to the believers.
John 10: 16 Jesus is referring to the gentile who would inherit life. And they as well as the other chosen would be under his care.
2007-02-05 02:27:18 · answer #4 · answered by Tribble Macher 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Luke 12:32
Jesus is talking to the disciples about the great commission he will send them on, and not to fear what will happen to them, they are doing the work of the Lord.
John 10:16
Jesus is talking about the mission to the Gentiles(non-Jews) that need to know of Gods grace and salvation through Christ.
2007-02-05 02:33:50 · answer #5 · answered by L Strunk 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Luke 12:32 -- Jesus was teaching about money and possessions. He said for us not to worry about having enough to eat, or wear; that our main concern should be His kingdom. My interpretation says "...for it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom..."
John 10:16 -- Jesus was talking to the Jewish people. He was telling them that He has love and concern over the Gentiles, and He is here to bring the Gentiles to salvation, and they are to join in with the Jewish people as one body in Christ...that there will be unity between them, one body in Christ.
2007-02-05 02:31:08 · answer #6 · answered by Dianne C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God is talking to the Jews, and the Gentiles. We are all His flock. They didn't know the Gentiles were going to be part of His flock. They thought only Jews were to go to heaven. If you have Jesus in your heart. You will know His voice, and follow Him.
2007-02-05 02:28:26 · answer #7 · answered by salvation 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
the kingdom belongs to the children of God
Jesus has others that he has sent out to find that are not yet in the fold...they will listen when they hear the shepards voice, which is the Word of God
see www.desiringgod.org and type in those scriptures in the search engine..or any bible commentary site
2007-02-05 02:27:50 · answer #8 · answered by karen i 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Flock supposedly mean children
2007-02-05 02:27:33 · answer #9 · answered by DrPepper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
people are the sheep of course. and john is talkin about going out and finding the other sheep that are lost and can't find their way. He will lead them to the right path.
2007-02-05 02:27:50 · answer #10 · answered by Fletcher 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋