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Bible Study for the 4th Sunday of Easter - May 11th
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Read John 10:22-30
The Fourth Sunday of Easter has long been called “Good Shepherd Sunday”. Typically, Psalm 23 is read or sung. As we savor the mystery and joy of the resurrection of Jesus, we are reminded of Jesus as savior, but also as shepherd.
John is quite detailed in his description of Jesus in the temple during the festival of the Dedication, Hanukkah. The Jews gather around him to discuss his identity. They want a clear, precise, concise, and direct answer concerning his identity. Is he the Messiah or not? This is not the first time for the Jews to try to sort out his identity.
On previous occasions, Jesus has talked with them and backed up his words with actions. He has given sight to the blind, healed the sick, fed thousands, and proclaimed good news; but they cannot grasp his identity,
Since Jesus has already answered their questions, he speaks directly to them. “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep.” (John 10:25-26)
Jesus describes what it means to belong to his own flock. His sheep know his voice and choose to follow. But Jesus is not the only voice vying for attention and listeners. His call may go unheeded as people chase after other shepherds. It is one thing to listen, but it is something else to listen and respond accordingly. This raises the question about listening skills and discerning. The Jews might have heard his words, but they did not respond with any kind of commitment or action. Jesus extends his call and voice, expecting people to follow him.
Jesus promises eternal life and safety, saying “No one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28) These are significant and desirable promises made by Jesus. They might serve as motivation for all who listen to really try to grasp the words of the one whom they question. Jesus makes these claims because he is one with God. Their unity cannot be denied. This connection to God only strengthens his claims and promises.
Prayer
Good shepherd, thank you for calling, caring, and extending eternal life. Open our spirits and hearts, so we might hear you. Amen
The Fourth Sunday of Easter has long been called “Good Shepherd Sunday”. Typically, Psalm 23 is read or sung. As we savor the mystery and joy of the resurrection of Jesus, we are reminded of Jesus as savior, but also as shepherd.
- What do you know about sheep?
- What does it mean to be a “good shepherd”?
John is quite detailed in his description of Jesus in the temple during the festival of the Dedication, Hanukkah. The Jews gather around him to discuss his identity. They want a clear, precise, concise, and direct answer concerning his identity. Is he the Messiah or not? This is not the first time for the Jews to try to sort out his identity.
On previous occasions, Jesus has talked with them and backed up his words with actions. He has given sight to the blind, healed the sick, fed thousands, and proclaimed good news; but they cannot grasp his identity,
- What seems to be blocking the Jews from understanding Jesus as the Messiah?
- Why do others more easily grasp the identity of Jesus?
Since Jesus has already answered their questions, he speaks directly to them. “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep.” (John 10:25-26)
- How does one become part of the flock of Jesus?
- Why would someone choose not to belong?
Jesus describes what it means to belong to his own flock. His sheep know his voice and choose to follow. But Jesus is not the only voice vying for attention and listeners. His call may go unheeded as people chase after other shepherds. It is one thing to listen, but it is something else to listen and respond accordingly. This raises the question about listening skills and discerning. The Jews might have heard his words, but they did not respond with any kind of commitment or action. Jesus extends his call and voice, expecting people to follow him.
- How do we make sure we listen to the true and good shepherd of Jesus?
- What does it mean to be known by Jesus?
Jesus promises eternal life and safety, saying “No one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28) These are significant and desirable promises made by Jesus. They might serve as motivation for all who listen to really try to grasp the words of the one whom they question. Jesus makes these claims because he is one with God. Their unity cannot be denied. This connection to God only strengthens his claims and promises.
- How might the crowd have responded?
- How do the words of Jesus carry more strength because of his unity with God?
Prayer
Good shepherd, thank you for calling, caring, and extending eternal life. Open our spirits and hearts, so we might hear you. 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.
-Thank God for the ELCA’s special relationship with the United Church of Christ, a full communion partner since 1997. Pray for the church, its members and its leaders, that together we will find strength and resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor.
-Pray that compassion and concern for the well-being of people and communities will guide leaders and governments to work diligently for peace, reconciliation, justice and mutual respect.
-Sing praises and give thanks to God for being our strength in all circumstances and for attending to our need for help, renewal and encouragement.
-Pray for Lutheran Disaster Response and its collaborations with other disaster relief organizations — domestic, international and ecumenical — to provide physical, emotional and spiritual care for people affected by disasters and to support them during short- and long-term recovery efforts.
-“In our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing, in the harvests we are sharing, God’s will is done” (WOV 760). Pray for the Spirit to give us a clear understanding of God’s will and ways, that our concern and love for our neighbors in need will not be hindered by bias, suspicion or judgement.
-Remember in prayer students at universities, colleges and seminaries as they prepare for exams and graduation, that they will find comfort in times of stress, encouragement when they feel uncertain and renewed hope for what lies ahead of them in their vocational journeys.
-Pray for mothers, stepmothers, foster mothers and expectant mothers. Pray for women who struggle with parenting, who are trying to conceive or who cannot bear children of their own but serve as loving and faithful adults in the lives of children and youth.
-Thank God for the ELCA’s special relationship with the United Church of Christ, a full communion partner since 1997. Pray for the church, its members and its leaders, that together we will find strength and resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor.
-Pray that compassion and concern for the well-being of people and communities will guide leaders and governments to work diligently for peace, reconciliation, justice and mutual respect.
-Sing praises and give thanks to God for being our strength in all circumstances and for attending to our need for help, renewal and encouragement.
-Pray for Lutheran Disaster Response and its collaborations with other disaster relief organizations — domestic, international and ecumenical — to provide physical, emotional and spiritual care for people affected by disasters and to support them during short- and long-term recovery efforts.
-“In our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing, in the harvests we are sharing, God’s will is done” (WOV 760). Pray for the Spirit to give us a clear understanding of God’s will and ways, that our concern and love for our neighbors in need will not be hindered by bias, suspicion or judgement.
-Remember in prayer students at universities, colleges and seminaries as they prepare for exams and graduation, that they will find comfort in times of stress, encouragement when they feel uncertain and renewed hope for what lies ahead of them in their vocational journeys.
-Pray for mothers, stepmothers, foster mothers and expectant mothers. Pray for women who struggle with parenting, who are trying to conceive or who cannot bear children of their own but serve as loving and faithful adults in the lives of children and youth.
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 |
