Read John 10:11-18
This Sunday is known as “Good Shepherd” Sunday, and the readings reflect this theme. The beloved 23rd Psalm is usually sung or read this day; and the familiar words from John’s Gospel invite the reader to reflect on the imagery of Jesus as the good shepherd.
God as shepherd is an imagery rich in Old Testament symbolism. God is seen as the shepherd of the sheep in contrast with the shepherds who have not cared for the flock. (Ezekiel 34:11-16) God’s servant David is also called a shepherd of his people. (Ezekiel 37:24) God as shepherd is also described in Psalm 23, where God provides for the needs of the flock. Elsewhere in the New Testament, Jesus is “the great shepherd of the sheep.” (Hebrews 13:20)
In the first few verses in chapter 10, Jesus speaks of himself as “the gate for the sheep.” (John 10:7 NRSV) There is a strong link between the images of the shepherd and the gate. On the Judean plains, it was common for the shepherd to live with the sheep. The shepherd would lead the animals to good grazing and water. At night the animals would be led to a safe enclosure, often made of stone or brambles. The shepherd would stand at the opening of the enclosure as the sheep entered, checking for any injured or missing sheep. Once all were in the safety of the pen, the shepherd would lay down in the opening, literally becoming the gate and protector of the sheep.
Note the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (John 10:3 NRSV) “I know my own, and my own know me.” (John 10:14 NRSV) “They will listen to my voice.” (John 10:16 NRSV) Familiarity, intimacy, and care are characteristics of the relationship. This is contrasted with the thief who comes to kill or destroy (John 10:10) and the hired hand who has no ownership in the sheep and runs away when danger comes.
Jesus adds a new characteristic to the imagery of a shepherd – the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) With this attribute, the Old Testament imagery of the shepherd and the suffering servant are brought together. The thief takes the life of the sheep; the good shepherd gives his life on their behalf. Later in John’s Gospel, Jesus identifies such self-sacrifice as the greatest love that can be shown to others (John 15:13). And then Jesus embodies this characteristic of the good shepherd as he gives his life on the cross.
Prayer
Thank you, Good Shepherd, for knowing us by name. Amen
This Sunday is known as “Good Shepherd” Sunday, and the readings reflect this theme. The beloved 23rd Psalm is usually sung or read this day; and the familiar words from John’s Gospel invite the reader to reflect on the imagery of Jesus as the good shepherd.
- Describe a good shepherd.
God as shepherd is an imagery rich in Old Testament symbolism. God is seen as the shepherd of the sheep in contrast with the shepherds who have not cared for the flock. (Ezekiel 34:11-16) God’s servant David is also called a shepherd of his people. (Ezekiel 37:24) God as shepherd is also described in Psalm 23, where God provides for the needs of the flock. Elsewhere in the New Testament, Jesus is “the great shepherd of the sheep.” (Hebrews 13:20)
- What does it mean to think of Jesus as the good shepherd?
In the first few verses in chapter 10, Jesus speaks of himself as “the gate for the sheep.” (John 10:7 NRSV) There is a strong link between the images of the shepherd and the gate. On the Judean plains, it was common for the shepherd to live with the sheep. The shepherd would lead the animals to good grazing and water. At night the animals would be led to a safe enclosure, often made of stone or brambles. The shepherd would stand at the opening of the enclosure as the sheep entered, checking for any injured or missing sheep. Once all were in the safety of the pen, the shepherd would lay down in the opening, literally becoming the gate and protector of the sheep.
- What comfort does this imagery of Jesus as the gate for the sheep bring?
Note the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (John 10:3 NRSV) “I know my own, and my own know me.” (John 10:14 NRSV) “They will listen to my voice.” (John 10:16 NRSV) Familiarity, intimacy, and care are characteristics of the relationship. This is contrasted with the thief who comes to kill or destroy (John 10:10) and the hired hand who has no ownership in the sheep and runs away when danger comes.
- How does Jesus extend compassion to those whom he knows?
Jesus adds a new characteristic to the imagery of a shepherd – the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11) With this attribute, the Old Testament imagery of the shepherd and the suffering servant are brought together. The thief takes the life of the sheep; the good shepherd gives his life on their behalf. Later in John’s Gospel, Jesus identifies such self-sacrifice as the greatest love that can be shown to others (John 15:13). And then Jesus embodies this characteristic of the good shepherd as he gives his life on the cross.
- If Jesus would use a contemporary image to describe his point, what might it be?
- What is the key message of this text?
Prayer
Thank you, Good Shepherd, for knowing us by name. Amen
Prayer Petitions for this week
These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.
-“Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18). Praise God for ELCA World Hunger’s 50 years of action to end hunger, bring relief to those who suffer, develop sustainable solutions to hunger and raise awareness of the needs of our neighbors — here and around the world. Pray that we might exercise generosity, wisdom and perseverance to meet the challenges of ending hunger.
-Ask God for the openness to reflect on our nation’s history of injustice and inequality and for the courage and humility to overcome racial, religious and gender bias.
-Give thanks that we can live in the joy of being God’s children and that, though we may not understand completely what that means, it will be fully revealed to us someday.
-Praise God for the lengthening daylight of spring, which stirs new life and reminds us of the light God brings into the world through the gift of Jesus Christ.
-Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana and Western Iowa synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need.
-Remember in prayer our ministry in Africa through ELCA Global Mission, which works alongside Lutheran churches and agencies in 24 African countries and supports the work of the Lutheran World Federation’s Department for World Service.
-Jesus, our good and loving shepherd, laid down his life for us, his sheep. Give thanks and praise to God!
-“Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18). Praise God for ELCA World Hunger’s 50 years of action to end hunger, bring relief to those who suffer, develop sustainable solutions to hunger and raise awareness of the needs of our neighbors — here and around the world. Pray that we might exercise generosity, wisdom and perseverance to meet the challenges of ending hunger.
-Ask God for the openness to reflect on our nation’s history of injustice and inequality and for the courage and humility to overcome racial, religious and gender bias.
-Give thanks that we can live in the joy of being God’s children and that, though we may not understand completely what that means, it will be fully revealed to us someday.
-Praise God for the lengthening daylight of spring, which stirs new life and reminds us of the light God brings into the world through the gift of Jesus Christ.
-Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathering for the assemblies of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana and Western Iowa synods, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and inspire them as they reflect on the mission of the church, choose leaders and encourage one another to proclaim the gospel and serve our neighbors in need.
-Remember in prayer our ministry in Africa through ELCA Global Mission, which works alongside Lutheran churches and agencies in 24 African countries and supports the work of the Lutheran World Federation’s Department for World Service.
-Jesus, our good and loving shepherd, laid down his life for us, his sheep. Give thanks and praise to God!
Lent 2020 -
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In Jesus’ day, women were generally silent, and rarely if ever seen, and are generally nameless. We hear about the Canaanite woman, or the Samaritan woman, or they are identified by their relationship to a man such as Jairus’s daughter or Simon’s mother-in-law. So the very inclusion of women in the gospel texts is remarkable. Yet these women are a part of our history and a part of Jesus’ story. This Lenten season, we will explore a different woman’s story each week.
Introduction to Lent 2020 and Women's Encounters with Jesus Week 1 - The Canaanite Woman: Matthew 15:21-28 Week 2 - Martha and Mary: Luke 10:38-42 Week 3 - A Bent Woman, Daughter of Abraham: Luke 13:10-17 Week 4 - A Woman Accused of Adultery: John 7:53-8:11 Week 5 - A Woman anoints Jesus for Burial - Matthew 26:6-13 |
Lent 2019 -
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Jesus often taught the crowds through powerful stories that feel just as contemporary today as they did 2000 years ago. These wonderful stories allow us to see the world of the first century through the eyes of first century followers of Jesus. Join us on this journey through 5 parables from the Gospel of Luke as we peel back the layers to discover how these parables simultaneously comfort and challenge us. Dig into the culture of the original hearers of these stories that challenge our assumptions about God, the world, our neighbors, and ourselves.
Once Upon a Time: The Beauty and Challenge of Story Week 1 - Are All Samaritans Good? Week 2 - Lost Things Week 3 - A Lost Son Week 4 - A Lost Brother Week 5 - A Feast for the Ones the World Forgot Reflections on Holy Week |
Lent 2018 |
The gospel of John tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection in a poignant, dramatic, and unique voice. In this Lenten Bible study, you are invited to enter into John’s world and encounter those who were a part of Jesus’ final days.
Introduction to the Gospel of John Week 1 – Nicodemus: Journey from Darkness to Light Week 2 – Judas: Journey to the Dark Side Week 3 – Peter: Journey to Understanding Week 4 – Mary Magdalene: Journey to Life Week 5 – The Beloved Disciple: Our Journey to Faithfulness |
Advent 2017 |
Pastor Joanne made a series of videos with a message for each week of the Advent season. Please follow this link to see those messages
Advent videos 2017 |