The Shepherd’s Voice (MPLS)

John 10:11–18

Jesus said: ““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care 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. I have other sheep that do not belong to 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 in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Chris Enstad
Here, planted in the heart of John’s Gospel, Jesus presents Himself as “the good shepherd.” This portrayal, rich in pastoral imagery, contrasts sharply with the figure of the hireling who abandons the sheep in the face of danger. Christ’s declaration, “I am the good shepherd,” unfolds a profound understanding of His relationship with us, marked by sacrifice, intimacy, and a resurrection ethos that transcends mere physical life. Jesus announces the depth of His commitment by declaring, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This self-sacrifice, a foretelling of the crucifixion, encapsulates the heart of the Gospel. The resurrected life, therefore, begins not with glory but with sacrifice. It’s a life that embraces suffering for love and truth. Jesus further reveals the nature of His relationship with His flock, emphasizing knowledge and intimacy: “I know my sheep, and my sheep know me.” This mutual recognition is not superficial but echoes the profound intimacy between the Father and the Son. Resurrected life is thus characterized by a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, fostered through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments. The inclusivity of Jesus’ mission is highlighted when He speaks of other sheep, “not of this sheep pen,” illustrating His vision for a creation-sized flock marked by its unity in its diversity. The resurrected life is one of expansive grace, inviting all to partake in the divine life regardless of background or status. Finally, Jesus asserts His sovereignty by laying down His life and taking it up again. This voluntary sacrifice, culminating in the resurrection, assures us that death is not the end. The resurrected life is, therefore, a life lived in hope and the certainty of our resurrection and eternal life with God.

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• How am I called to embody sacrificial love in my daily life, mirroring the shepherd’s sacrifice?
• In what ways am I nurturing my relationship with Christ to know Him and be known by Him more deeply?
• How am I contributing to the unity of God’s diverse flock within my community and beyond?
• How does the hope of resurrection shape my understanding of life, death, and daily choices?

Prayer:
Gracious God, our Good Shepherd, in the silence of our hearts, we come to You, awed by the depth of Your love and sacrifice. Teach us to embody Christ’s sacrificial love, nurturing an intimate relationship with You. Guide us to embrace the diversity of Your flock, breaking down barriers that divide. May the hope of the resurrected life inspire us to live each day with purpose, courage, and compassion. Strengthen us in our journey so that we may reflect Your light in this world through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.