Scripture Reading: John 10:11-18
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.
Dear congregation, welcome back to "A Word from the Vine." I'm Pastor Loren Christensen of Exira, Iowa's Danish Countryside Chapel. Today, we delve into the profound metaphor of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, a theme that resonates deeply with the cultural context of shepherding in the Middle East. In John 10:11-18, Jesus vividly portrays Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, contrasting with the hired hand who abandons the flock in times of danger.
As we reflect on this imagery, we are reminded of the intimate relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep. Just as a shepherd knows each of his sheep by name, Jesus knows us intimately. He calls us by name and leads us with gentle guidance, protecting us from harm and providing for our needs.
In a world filled with noise and distractions, discerning the voice of the Good Shepherd is essential. We must learn to distinguish His voice amidst the clamor of competing voices, tuning our hearts to hear His gentle whisper. Through prayer, Scripture study, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate a deeper intimacy with Jesus and recognize His voice guiding us along the path of righteousness.
Let us heed the words of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, and follow Him faithfully. May we trust in His unfailing love and care for us, knowing that He laid down His life for our sake. May we, as His sheep, listen attentively to His voice and walk in obedience to His commands.
Thank you for joining me today. As we journey together in faith, may we draw ever closer to the Good Shepherd, knowing that in Him, we find abundant life and eternal security. Amen.
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