Sheep hold significant symbolism in Christianity, representing God's people and their relationship with Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Here are some key points about the symbolism of sheep in Christianity:
Sheep represent God's followers who are helpless and in need of guidance, protection, and provision from the Shepherd (Jesus).[1][2] They are portrayed as defenseless, prone to wandering, and entirely dependent on the Shepherd's care, mirroring humanity's need for God's guidance and salvation.
Jesus refers to himself as the "Good Shepherd" who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11).[1][2] This metaphor highlights Jesus' sacrificial love, leadership, and intimate knowledge of his flock (believers).
Sheep are contrasted with goats, representing the separation of believers and non-believers on the day of judgment (Matthew 25:31-46).[1] The sheep (believers) will inherit eternal life, while the goats (unbelievers) will face punishment.
The imagery of a shepherd tenderly caring for his sheep is used to depict God's compassionate love and attentive care for his people (Isaiah 40:11, Psalm 23).[1][3] Sheep recognize the Shepherd's voice and follow him, just as believers are called to follow Christ's guidance.
Jesus is also called the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), symbolizing his sacrificial death to take away the sins of the world.[1][3] This connects the imagery of sheep and lambs to Christ's atoning work on the cross.
Citations:
[1] What is the significance of sheep in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org https://www.gotquestions.org/sheep-in-the-Bible.html
[2] Why are Christians Called Sheep? — BLOG POSTS — ILI Team https://iliteam.org/coreleadership/why-are-christians-called-sheep
[3] Sheep of Christ https://godcangodcares.com/sheep-of-christ/
[4] Why Jesus compares us to sheep (it's kinda funny) https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/why-jesus-compares-us-to-sheep-its-kinda-funny/
[5] Christianity literally degrades its own followers by calling them sheep https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueAtheism/comments/jtbv4i/christianity_literally_degrades_its_own_followers/