I’ve looked at the stained glass windows at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Adelaide on and off since I was a baby. Recently I noticed something in them for the first time. I’ve always liked the sheep (they’re very cute) but I suddenly realised one of them is pale blue. The others are grey, brown and white and I’ve seen those types wandering around paddocks but I can’t say I’ve ever spotted a blue sheep on any farm I’ve been to. The Blue Faced Leicester breed has a bluish tinge to its face from the skin underneath but the wool is still white. There is such a thing as fleece rot which can stain fleece blue. But I like to think Bethlehem’s stained glass lamb is naturally blue all over, a bit of artistic licence.
It got me thinking about Jesus’ flock. Everyone is in it in all their diversity, even types of diversity we’ve probably never thought about like blue sheep. In welcoming all to be employed or enrolled in Lutheran schools or early childhood services, we do not discriminate against any staff or student based on their personal attributes. We are all equally wanted, and are invited to be sheep of the Good Shepherd.
As we prepare for Easter we look to Jesus, the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep of his own accord. One flock, because we have one shepherd. (John 10)
Lisa Schmidt
Executive Director, Lutheran Education Australia
