May 17: The Sixth Sunday of Easter
John 10:11, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
It’s easy to imagine that a shepherd might put himself in harm’s way for his sheep or at least risk something, but lay down his life for the sheep? Most of us would find that ridiculous. But it’s exactly what Jesus did. In fact in verse 17 of the same passage Jesus says, “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.” Why does the Father love him? Because he laid down his life for the sheep.
Among other things, this tells us that his work wasn’t just a good example of sacrifice or love. It truly secured the eternal life of his sheep. These are not sheep who call out to the Shepherd so the Shepherd can hear their voices either. These sheep hear their Shepherd’s voice who calls them by name. He knows who are his. That’s the gospel!
Come hear it preached and enacted in the Supper this Sunday as we continue reveling in his resurrection.
The related hymns we’ll sing are:
Let All Things Now Living
Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing!
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Our next Community Lunch is this Sunday following the service. Click here if you’d like to find out more.
Sunday school for children (on Acts and the Early Church) and adults (on Reformed eschatology) is up and running! Coffee and other treats are served at 9:15, teaching begins at 9:30, and we break to get ready for worship at 10:15.
Visitors are always welcome!