Easter 4 Reflection

 

Shepherd & Sheep

When are children were little. Our neighbors down the road raised dairy cows. On a nice and sunny day we could walk down the road just to stare at the cows in the pasture.

We could look at them. And even talk to them. But they would just sit and stare back at us.

But as soon as our neighbor would talk or whistle. The entire herd would perk up their ears and head back to the barn!

And why was this true? Because the cows knew the voice of their Master. They would listen to his voice. Because they trust him.

In our Bible reading for today Jesus calls Himself “the Good Shepherd.” He says, “My sheep hear my voice and I know them.” This is wonderful good news. Because Jesus is your Good Shepherd you know His voice. And you know of His love and tender care.

Today Jesus your good shepherd gives you a wonderful word and promise. He will say “I give them eternal life. And they will never perish. And no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Law/Gospel Theme: Our lesson comes from an important passage of John’s Gospel. Jesus is questioned about His identity and responds by telling us that His true sheep know His voice.  We can be a “sheep.” And know what Jesus tells us.

Sometimes it is challenging to know who or what we can trust. We know that we need a savior. And it’s important to know that what Christ said was true.

Jesus’ words in the Bible are true. And His grace is also available to us now. We show that we are followers (“sheep”) of Jesus when we do what obeys God. We recognize His voice by reading the Bible, praying, and focusing on Him.

Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is discord, union; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen[1]

Hymn: 40 How Firm a Foundation

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.  In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.

And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

John 10:22-30

22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter,23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.

24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”[2]

Hymn: 39 Holy, Holy, Holy, LORD God Almighty

In the Gospel lesson today. Jesus talked about recognizing His voice.

Some people came and asked Him if He was really the  Savior. Jesus responded by saying that His sheep knew Him. There are several times in the Bible that Jesus called Himself a good shepherd. Saying that He would take care of His people.

And who are you? You are a sheep of His fold. A lamb of His flock. On of his own redeeming.

Here, Jesus is saying that His followers recognized the voice of their Shepherd.  Sadly others missed it.

Jesus said that His sheep, those who truly followed Him, knew His voice.

So what does that matter for us? How can we be sheep? We know that Jesus is good because He rose from the grave. And the claims of the Bible are true.

You follow the Good Shepherd. We know that the promises Jesus made are good. He promises to provide blessing and strength as you follow Him.

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish–ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!”

Jesus’ eternal promises are for you.

1.       He gives eternal life.

2.    He promises that we will never perish.

3.    He promises that no one will ever be able to snatch us out of His hand.

How do we recognize His voice? By being familiar with who Jesus is and what He says.

You read the Bible and look to the Word of God for information about Christ. You pray and ask for understanding and wisdom.

You think about things that are true, and lovely, and Holy, and you rest in the guidance and peace of God.

A good shepherd leads his sheep to calm. Clean water. As a good shepherd. The Lord guides us to green pasture. That is, He provides for us. Giving  abundance. Rest. And peace. Jesus. The Good Shepherd. Provides all this care for you.

David writes that the Lord provides rest in green pastures. And guides us to still waters. Shepherds  do not "drive" their sheep. Instead of pushing the herd from behind. They walked ahead of the flock, which followed. 

Shepherds needed to guide their sheep to green pasture. Otherwise. The sheep would go hungry.

Sheep will not drink from a rushing stream. Nor will they instinctively seek out clean water. —They are prone to drinking whatever is nearby. A good shepherd leads his sheep to calm, clean water.

As a good shepherd, the Lord guides us to green pasture. He provides well for us. Giving in abundance. Rest. And peace. Jesus. The Good Shepherd. Provides all this care for His own. He gives us rest. Abundance. And peace.

You are precious because of what Jesus has invested in you and continues to invest.

As we go through this week, let’s listen carefully so we can understand what He might have for us!

Prayer: Thank you, LORD for your love and care. Thank you for your forgiveness in Jesus. Thank you for the Bible and its truth. Thank you for the Bible and its truth. Thank you for calling us yours. Help us to follow you and serve you all our days.

As the Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

As the Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

As the Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

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Image copyright Agus Day 

[1] Prayer of St. Francis

[2] New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.