Human Personalities: the sheep, goat, wolf, beast, dog…

Human Personalities: the sheep, goat, wolf, beast, dog…

Text John 10:1-6; Matthew 25:31-33

Scripture uses the image of sheep, goat, wolf, beast, dog, etc, to describe different human personalities. The sheep follows Jesus Christ, the good shepherd, and receives eternal life. However, for good human relationships, even if you don’t want to make it to heaven, do your best to become a sheep. For example, if a sheep marries a goat, a wolf or a beast, the sheep will suffer. This explains why human relationships suffer. Our personalities are not godly.

The sheep (John 10:1-6)

Obedient, peaceful, follows instructions, depends on the shepherd. The rest of the animals learn humility and good behaviour from the sheep. Sadly, the sheep is not very wise, so it is called upon to be wise and innocent (Matt 10:16), can go astray, and so needs a shepherd (Isaiah 53: 6; 1 Pet 2:25). The goat (Matt 25:31-36)

Goats like fighting; they are filthy and impure, make noise, and cannot follow instructions. People become like goats when they lack proper upbringing.

Wolf (Matt 10:16; 1 Tim 3:5): The wolf can disguise itself as the sheep and join them, but the wolf will eat it. The shepherd usually chases the wolf out. Because of this, the wolf tries to bring another wolf for support. People become wolves when they join the occult-false spiritual powers (e.g., Deut. 18:9-13; Acts 8:9-25).

Beast (1 Cor 15:32; Titus 1:12 )

Cruel, violent, a depraved person with an unsatiable appetite for lust. People become like beasts when they give themselves to lies, pleasure the works of the flesh, etc (Titus 1:12).

Dog (Matt 7:6; 15:21-28): Dogs do not respect holy things, although they desire them. If you give them what is holy or precious, they will disrespect it and even attack you. People acquire dog personalities through false religion (Matt 15:21-28).

Only God can convert/change a goat, dog, wolf, or beast to a sheep; you have to repent, and God will give you the new birth… (e.g., Matt 3:7-9; 1 Tim 1:12-14; 1 King 21:27-29).