Who are the ‘other sheep’ mentioned in John 10:16?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In John 10, Jesus contrasts the religious leaders, the false shepherds (John 9, 10:1, 8, 12-13), with Himself, the Good Shepherd. His concern in that passage is to show how the false shepherds are spiritually blind and harming the Jews. They are like robbers jumping the fence and poaching sheep (John 10:1). However, the false shepherds were only able to steal false sheep (Jews who were not really sheep). The other true sheep ignored the calls by the false shepherds, having their ears tuned to hear and follow Jesus. These true sheep are the “sheep” in His story. Therefore, the “sheep” are believing Jews. However, Jesus intends to save more than just the believing Jewish “sheep.” He has “other sheep.” Based on the context, those “other sheep” are believing Gentiles. Jesus is saying that His mission is greater than just the believing Jews. He is gathering “other sheep” into the same sheep fold, where believing Jews and Gentiles will follow Jesus together.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The statement about “other sheep” is only found in the New Testament. However, the “other sheep” in the New Testament refers to Gentiles (see below). The Old Testament does talk about God’s plan to save the Gentiles. In Genesis 22, Abraham was told, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 22:18). While Abraham was the father of Israel, God always had larger plans to bless all the nations (Gentiles) through him.
• Later, God, speaking to His Servant (Jesus), said that saving only Israel was “too small a thing” (Isaiah 49:6). Instead, God says, “I will make you as a light for the nations that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6). God has included all the world (both Israel and Gentiles) in His salvation plan. These Old Testament passages provide a good background for understanding the “other sheep” passage in the New Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In John 10:16, Jesus said, “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.” By this, the Lord means the Gentiles.
• The “other sheep” passage (John 10:1-21) comes right after the story of Jesus healing a man who had been born blind (John 9). In that account, the figurative “shepherds” of the day (the Pharisees) were not interested in knowing Jesus but wanted to remove anyone who accepted Jesus as the Messiah (John 9:22). Speaking about figurative blindness, Jesus was saying that He came to judge those who claim to be the spiritual eyes of Israel. That is, the “shepherds” like the Pharisees (c.f., Matt 15:14).
• Jesus contrasts the false shepherds with Himself, saying, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11).
• Jesus’ message (His “voice”) was not just for Jews. He said, “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold” (John 10:16a). He is referring to non-Jews (namely, Gentiles) who are also true sheep. Just like the believing Jews, the believing Gentiles will “will hear My voice” (John 10:16b). Those “other sheep” are not outcasts but are to be joined with the Jews into “one flock” (John 10:16c). That single flock of both Jew sheep and Gentile sheep will all follow the Good Shepherd (John 10:16d).
• God later shows Peter that the Gentiles were no longer “unclean,” and they needed to hear the Gospel (Acts 10).That marked the beginning of the “other sheep” being added to the same “fold” as the believing Jews.
• Paul’s commission from Christ was to “preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8) because the “other sheep” needed to be brought into the fold of the true Shepherd.
• Paul explains in Romans 11:16-36 the mystery of the church by using the imagery of a branch (the Gentiles) being grafted into the tree (Israel). Israel has been temporarily set aside until the “fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25). This is occurring now in the Church Age, but eventually both Jews and Gentiles will live in glorious harmony in the millennial kingdom and in eternity where all true sheep will follow their Shepherd forever as one body.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Jesus’ intention to gather the “other sheep” has not been completed. Paul says that there will be a time when the gathering of Gentile sheep ends, at least in large part (Romans 11:25). However, that time has not yet come. This means that there are still more “other sheep” that Jesus intends to save.

When Jesus left the earth, He gave the disciples the “great commission,” which tells us to go to all nations making disciples, baptizing and teaching them (Matthew 28:19-20). To “go to all nations” refers to the Gentiles.

Every Christian needs to participate in that mission, helping to bring Christ’s message to all the nations so that those whom Jesus intends to save can hear His voice, recognize Him as their Shepherd, and follow Him.

However, while the current mission is heavily Gentile focused, notice that Jesus refers to Gentiles as “other sheep.” Gentiles do not replace Jews. Instead, we are added to the same flock. Right now, there are true Jewish sheep who are hearing and following Jesus. However, one day, all of the sheep of Israel will hear, repent, and follow the Good Shepherd (Romans 11:26-27). Even as we spread the message to the Gentiles, let us look forward with great anticipation to that final gathering of Jews!

UNDERSTAND

• The “other sheep” in John 10:16 are believing Gentiles, whom Jesus includes alongside believing Jews in His one united flock.
• Jesus fulfills God's plan from both Old and New Testaments to bring salvation to all nations.
• Jesus is still calling His sheep through the gospel, and believers are commissioned to share His voice with all nations until the full flock is gathered.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that Jesus included Gentiles like you as His “other sheep” shape the way you see God’s character and plan?
• How are you listening for the voice of the Good Shepherd, and what tends to distract you from hearing Him?
• How are you participating—or being challenged to participate—in Jesus’ mission to reach the “other sheep” today?

ENGAGE

• What does John 10:16 teach us about the unity Jesus desires between all believers, regardless of background?
• How can the church today better reflect and rejoice in the “one flock” made up of both Jews and Gentiles that Jesus spoke of?
• In what practical ways can believers help more people hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and understand His call to them for salvation?