This week’s reflection explores Jesus’ confrontation with the crowds demanding to know his messianic intentions during the Festival of the Dedication. Instead of political clarity, he emphasizes a relational understanding of discipleship. The text offers hope for those seeking security and recognition amidst uncertainty, highlighting the essence of belonging in faith.
John 10:1-10 (Good Shepherd & 4th Sunday of Easter) – April 30, 2023
You could preach entirely on the theme of the Good Shepherd without ever talking about the individual items of these verses today. The Good Shepherd who cares for their flock, who guards and protects, who is safe. Connect it with Psalm 23 and you have sermon fodder for years. But for me, there are two potions of this text that are really ringing out for me: “The sheep follow him because they know his voice” and “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Are there voices in your life that bring warmth to your heart? For me, my family’s voices do that instantly. Any time I hear my parents’ voices or my siblings, it puts me in touch with my history and my childhood. It’s a connection to the love that I’ve felt with them.
