Universal - John 10:11-18 - Easter 4 - 4-25-21

 

Sermon podcast from the Sunday, 4-25-21 online worship service - St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL. John 10:11-18

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Sermon podcast from yesterday at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL.  Good Shepherd Sunday and Earth Day.  John 10:11-18.  It's not exclusive.

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Sheep

I've seen several versions of that video of a sheep running into a wall.   It's usually used as evidence that all sheep are stupid.

Does that mean that one person tripping and falling is evidence that all humans are clumsy?

Here are some ‘sheepish’ facts:

• Sheep tend to stay close with other sheep. If they get separated they become quite agitated and uncomfortable. They know that when they are together as a flock they are more protected from predators.
• Sheep recognize sheep faces -- and human faces to some extent. They recognized sounds and can even recognize the voice of the shepherd who tends to the flock they are part of.
• Sheep know how to choose the kind of food that will give them the best nourishment based on the season and their dietary needs.
• Sheep are simply pretty intelligent mammals.

Shepherds -- on the other hand, can be good for, or not so good for, their flock. If they care for the sheep and seek to protect them from trouble, they do what is good for the sheep. If they try to lead them astray and run at the first sign of danger -- they don't.

Maybe it's all too simple in this one. In this week’s  Bible reading from John 10:11-18, the words of Jesus say, "I am the good shepherd." A shepherd that cares deeply for the flock and does not desert them when there is trouble. The good shepherd has a connection with the sheep that someone who doesn't care about the sheep can never have.

So in a very simple way of looking at things, we're the sheep -- intelligent and in need of a shepherd -- and Jesus is the good shepherd.

The Good Shepherd

This week's Bible reflection (One Flock) provides the beginning for Sunday's sermon at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Downers Grove, IL.  It's Confirmation day at St. Paul's and it's my first Sunday as pastor!
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One Flock

In this week’s Bible reading from John 10:11-18, Jesus points out that his desire is for there to be one flock, and one shepherd.

I’m convinced that Jesus gets what he wants.  And I’m convinced that Jesus desire for there to be one flock and one shepherd doesn’t have anything to do with folks deciding to agree about everything.  I’m convinced that it means that Jesus wants everyone to be included in the reality of God’s love.  And Jesus gets what he wants.

One flock.

It includes everyone.  It includes folks you think are obviously included.  It includes folks you aren’t so sure are included.  It includes folks you are positive aren’t included.

One flock. 

God LOVES THE WHOLE WORLD.

And God wants there be one flock.