This weekend we are observing "Good Shepherd Sunday" as we continue to celebrate the joyous season of Easter! The Gospel for the weekend comes from John chapter 10. We have a special relationship with this portion of God's Word because this is where we receive our church’s name! Jesus says, “I AM The Good Shepherd!” For some of us, the Van Street window perhaps comes to mind. Jesus, the "Good Shepherd" is a treasured phrase His people hold onto dearly. There's no question that we treasure the image of Jesus as our Good Shepherd.
We all know and treasure Psalm 23. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He leads me in paths of righteousness, for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:1,3,4). Jesus is THE Good Shepherd and is OUR Shepherd
Our church is named after… Jesus! He said, "I AM the Good Shepherd!" Even when we do not always live as faithful sheep Jesus remains our Good Shepherd. All too often we forget that Jesus is guiding us and protecting us. In our sin we act like WE are our own shepherd! Too often we think that we are in charge. We act as if we are in control of our lives! God's Word challenges us to remember God is in charge and in control. God says, "I am Lord and God. I am the Creator of the heavens and the earth. I am the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."
That is exactly why God the Father sent His Son, Jesus to be our shepherd. Jesus still comes into our lives today to shepherd us to righteousness, forgiveness, love, and mercy. "I AM the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) Jesus faithfully laid down His life for His sheep. But, God the Father raised Him to new life! By the power of the Holy Spirit we can be reminded by God’s Word of the resurrection power of our Good Shepherd who has also raised us to new life through baptism.
May Jesus, The Good Shepherd, strengthen your faith in His shepherding grace! The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ loves you!
Happy Good Shepherd Weekend!
In Christ, THE Good Shepherd,
Pastor Maske