Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, April 21, 2024.
In today’s sermon we explore the contrasting responses of compassion and callousness portrayed in John 9 and 10. Through the image of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18), Jesus reveals the depth of God’s sacrificial love, his intimate knowledge of each believer, and his vision of a unified, inclusive community.
Today’s Opening Sentence
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord: I know my own and my own know me. – John 10.14
Today’s Reading – 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.”1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- Reflecting on the image of the Good Shepherd, how does knowing that Jesus lays down his life for you impact your understanding of God’s love for you personally? How does this sacrificial love inspire you to live out your faith in your daily life?
- Consider the contrast between the Pharisees’ lack of compassion and Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd who restores his flock to loving community. In what ways do you see parallels between the Pharisees’ attitudes and behaviours in today’s world? How can you actively embody the compassion and inclusion of Jesus in your interactions with others?
- Think about the intimate knowledge and care that the Good Shepherd has for each sheep in his fold. How does this concept of being known by God on a deeply personal level resonate with you? How does it influence your relationship with God and your understanding of your identity as a beloved child of God?
- Contemplate Jesus’ proclamation of one flock under one shepherd, encompassing believers from all backgrounds and walks of life. How does this vision of unity amidst diversity challenge you to break down barriers and extend love and acceptance to others? What practical steps can you take to foster greater unity and inclusivity within your faith?
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
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God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.