The fourth Sunday after Easter is traditionally called Good Shephard Sunday; and we read passages from Scripture where Jesus explains that he is the Good Shephard, the one that will lay down his life for his sheep. This week’s reading comes from the end of his teaching on this language and imagery. It takes place in the Winter, in Jerusalem, and is followed by the account of raising Lazarus from the dead.
There’s much to unpack about Jesus’ identity, but we don’t often think about our response should be to his voice if we can hear it. What does it mean to be part of the Good Shephard’s flock? How do we live with the people who aren’t part of the flock, or who haven’t heard his voice yet? In this week’s sermon I try to think through that question.
Sermon for the 4th Sunday of Easter.
