We are all sheep???

I do not want to start a debate, or have any theological arguments, but my question is, Why are we referred to as sheep in the Bible. just want thoughts and opinions, with any references to back these up.

Simply put, we sheep would be lost and in darkness without the Good Shepherd to guide us.

It is His guidance we must follow always, never that of ourselves or other sheep.

May you be dressed in His righteousness always, and when others know you, may the see the praises of God in you.....amen.

It was probably the best description of the day, the people relied on
sheep for meat, sacrifices, wool, clothes. They would have been familiar
with sheep their characteristics etc. Sheep were also called clean animals
by God. We are essentially clean but spoilt by sin and the fall.

They were of great value but they were also vulnerable unable to
protect themselves from wild animals and needed protecting. A little like
us!

Years ago we had some missionaries visit from whycliffe bible translators.
They were working in a part of the world with no written language no bible.
So they learn the language, then develope a written form, teach the people
to read and write (which has other benefits too) and write the bible for them.

When it came to sheep, the tribe had no sheep they had no idea what sheep
looked like or their function, their needs etc.

So they translated sheep into the word for chicken. Sounds strange I know but
how do you translate the bible in a place which has no sheep!

So they ended up with lost chicken stories etc as the people were able to
understand that.

"All we, like chickens, are gone astray..." Yeah, that works. If you let sheep or chickens... or humans... roam without any guidance, all three will wander off into a lot of stuff they shouldn't get into.

Ever wonder why the Bible calls the obedient christians sheep and the disobedient ones goats?

Sheep are good followers goats are not.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

During the day small herds graze together in the unfenced field, or forests. At nightfall, goats recognize their owner’s voice, and each returns obediently to its respective corral. .

Goats do what they are told when it is time to go to their designated home......I have seen goats shepherded in many countries round the Mediterranean including Israel, and they are fairly well behaved., but they do not run with sheep..

I am in the process of writing a communion talk and am using the John 10 verse, i am the good shepherd, and Jesus declaration that he came to earth to give his life for the sheep. i want to explain how we are by character and behaviour.

We are like sheep who, even when we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to the LORD, tend to walk away again from the altar. Good He calls us back again... and again.