One Flock, One Shepherd
Jesus first came among the people of Israel and called disciples to follow Him. Yet His saving work was never meant to remain only within Israel. He said:
"I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd." — John 10:16
The flock began small:
"Do not be afraid, little flock, because your Father has chosen to give you the kingdom." — Luke 12:32
His disciples were few and weak in the eyes of the world, but the Father was pleased to give them the Kingdom. The other sheep would also hear Christ's voice and be gathered with them into one flock under one Shepherd.
Christ Breaks the Wall
This promise began to unfold as the Gospel went beyond Israel to Samaritans and to the nations. When God welcomed Cornelius and his household, Peter said:
"I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him." — Acts 10:34–35
Through Christ, those who had once been far away were brought near:
"Now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ." — Ephesians 2:13
Christ broke down the dividing wall and reconciled Jews and Gentiles in one body:
"He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall." — Ephesians 2:14
Scripture also says:
"For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus… for you are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:26, 28
Our backgrounds remain, but Christ stands above every human distinction. All who belong to Him are children of God through faith and members of one body.
One Body, One Hope
"There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all." — Ephesians 4:4–6
In a divided world, Christ still gathers one people: one flock under one Shepherd, one body under one Head, and one people sharing one hope.
In Section 3, you can explore more deeply how Christ brought the nations near, what Revelation shows about God's redeemed people, and why all who belong to Christ share one body and one hope.