John 10:1-10
–The sheep follow the Shepherd to life eternal. In this week’s Gospel lesson
Verses 7 and 9 teach that Jesus is the door to life and salvation. He is not
one of a series of doors to God. In today’s world, the emphasis is upon
pluralism — one religion being as valid as the next one. Christianity is
considered one of many ways to God. This passage contradicts pluralism. The
door to life, to God, to salvation, is Jesus. Is this not the basis for
evangelism and missions to non- Christian people? It is not done in the
interests of building up a monolithic religious organization in the hope of
getting a monopoly, but of sharing good news of salvation through Christ. Jesus
says in verse 10 that he came to bring abundant life to all people. What is
life? Our existence only makes sense when Jesus is at the center.
In His resurrection He
gathers us to Himself as our Good Shepherd, by whose righteousness we “have life and have it abundantly” (John
10:10). Now through other shepherds whom He calls and sends in His name, He
guards and keeps us in the green pastures of His Church, leading us beside the
quiet waters of our Baptism and spreading the feast of His Table before us.
Since He has called us
by the Gospel to be His own dear sheep, we also “hear his voice” and “know his
voice” (John 10:3–4) in the faithful preaching of His Gospel, and we follow
Him by faith. When we receive His Gospel, we have the abundant life and common
unity of the entire flock under one Good Shepherd, Jesus our Savior.
Comic
strip for Easter 4 John 10:22-30, copyright © 4.25.2007 James Weststein Agnus
Dei Press
No comments:
Post a Comment