FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 11, 2025

Prayer of the Day
O God of peace, you brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep. By the blood of your eternal covenant, make us complete in everything good that we may do your will, and work among us all that is well-pleasing in your sight, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Gospel: John 10:22-30 22 At that time the Festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me, 26 but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, in regard to what he has given me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”

Pastor’s Commentary: You might find it useful to read a bit more about the Gospel reading before you hear sermons preached; whether from First and St. Matthew’s or other churches. I’d love to hear from you via text or email about which parts of today’s commentary gave you something to ponder and informed your worship and hearing of the scriptures for this Sunday.

Today we give thanks for the guiding influences in our lives and those who have been mothers and mother figures for us. We also pray for our synod’s newest rostered pastor, Rev. Adam McComb, ordained yesterday at Mount Zion Lutheran Church. Pastor McComb has been called to Specialized Ministry at Thornhill Lutheran and St. Paul’s Lutheran, Richmond Hills, ON.

The fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally “Good Shepherd Sunday” and we read Psalm 23, paired with sections of John’s Gospel (chapter 10) where Jesus speaks of being the Good Shepherd. Here are a few connections to think about as you read the scriptures for this Sunday. Location,

Location, Location (and occasion, occasion, occasion)- Solomon’s portico was a prominent feature in the new temple, dedicated about 165 years before Jesus’ birth. The Feast of Dedication of the New Temple was part of a great homecoming for Jewish people, who had been dispersed for generations. The former temple (of Solomon’s building) had been desecrated and then destroyed before the children of Israel were expelled from their homeland. The portico was often associated with God’s presence and as a place of teaching. More than that, the Portico was a place where everyone was welcome—even at a time when there were places on the temple grounds off limits for women or for people of other faiths (at the time called “Gentiles”). What does shepherding look like?

Jesus remarks about being a Good Shepherd are far from random. In John chapter 9, Jesus gives sight to someone born blind. Such a person likely begged for a living and was marginalized in many ways. Even the disciples think the man or his parents must have offended God that he would not have eyesight. The act of healing does more than give this man vision for the first time—it allows him to reconnect meaningfully with his family. Jesus heals this man near the temple and the event generates such controversy over who Jesus is and by what authority he can heal people. Jesus’ words interpret his actions; particularly giving sight to someone who has never seen before. His words also foreshadow what happens in John chapter 11….. Jesus isn’t present in Bethany when his friend Lazarus dies. When he arrives he weeps for his friend, consoles those who grieve, and proclaims the promise of resurrection. Jesus’ “I AM” statements have included “I AM Bread of Life” and “I AM the gate” “I AM the good shepherd”. To Martha, Jesus declares, “I AM the resurrection and the life.” At the tomb, Jesus calls Lazarus by name and back to the land of the living (perhaps we’re meant to remember that Jesus says his sheep hear his voice and that his voice carries to everywhere in life and even beyond).

Connections to Psalm 23: We know that this psalm is read at almost every funeral. For good reason. The beginning of the psalm speaks about God’s care. Words about God become words toward God in an affirmation of trust when the psalmist says, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me.” The psalm concludes in a way that surprises us because the translation into English dilutes its ‘zing’. The sense of the words sounds more like: “Ultimately, goodness and mercy shall pursue —yea hound me—-all the days of my life.”. The Good Shepherd is certainly as persistent as God’s steadfast love (“chesed”, in Hebrew).

The final words spoken before a funeral service processes to the cemetery are words of commendation for the person who has died. “Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant. . . Acknowledge we humbly beseech you a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive them into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light” (Funeral service, commendation—ELW page 283

Connections to our time and place: People in King David’s time liked the analogy drawn between a shepherd and a ruler who truly cares for people. Some of us wonder if our elected (and unelected) political leaders or the CEO’s of companies whose work affects our lives even care about us beyond what they can ‘get’ from us (the modern phrase is ‘transactional’). Few in power seem to regard us as people possessing inborn, inherent, made-in-the-image-of-God dignity. The Gospels draw stunning and vivid contrasts between the overlords of the empire and Jesus as a Good Shepherd willing to give his life for those he cares for.

As the Roman Catholic Church has selected a new pope, a shepherd for catholics throughout the world, many among us pray that Pope Leo XIV will continue to speak on behalf of the poor and will inspire the church to imitate Jesus as a Good Shepherd. Though there are many churches and denominations now, may we be drawn together in hope and in the call to be the hands and feet of Jesus, Good Shepherd and risen Christ in the world.