4th Sunday of Easter St Andrew’s Milngavie 2024
Today we celebrated the 4th Sunday of Easter.
It was lovely to be back with you all.
This Week
Tuesday 10am – Prayer Group in the Garden Room.
Wednesday 7pm – NWRC Meeting at All Saints
Thursday 10am – Said Holy Communion followed by coffee in Friendship House
Readings for next Sunday 5th Sunday of Easter Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8
Today’s Readings Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-end, John 10:11-18
It maybe spring, but during the last few weeks it feels like winter might never be over. Even down south there was a constant cold wind, perishing for the time of year. But the buds are at least coming to life as we spot blossom appearing on the trees. In the fields, there is the thrilling sight of new born lambs, so sweet and cute – it’s always a wonder to watch them.
“I am the Good Shepherd” John 10:11
Since Easter Day our scripture has focused on resurrection appearances. And we have heard the words of Christ to his bewildered and fearful disciples, words of assurance peace and commission. We have felt the disciples joy at their realisation that Jesus has risen from the dead. And we have taken to our own hearts the message of hope that this bring to us, in our world and in our present context.
But today we go back to Jesus’ earthly ministry, and we might wonder why, and we question the significance of this passage from John’s gospel for the 4th Sunday of Easter.
“I am the Good Shepherd”
Shepherds in ancient Israel lived with their flocks and knew each sheep individually giving them names. When flocks were mixed on a hillside the sheep would respond to their own shepherd’s call. They wouldn’t need to count their sheep when putting them into the sheepfold because they would know just by looking at them which, if any, was missing. Sick and wounded sheep weren’t abandoned but found and tended – none was expendable. At night there were dangers from thieves and wolves and the shepherd would literally lay down his life for his flock by lying across the entrance to the sheepfold.
This is the image we are given of Christ’s care for us and our relationship with him. The image of Jesus the good shepherd is wonderfully comforting – no surprise Psalm 23 is so often chosen for funerals.
But this is John’s gospel, so we know there will be a deeper message here. And this is the season of Easter which speaks of resurrection and hope.
“I lay down my life in order to take it up……no one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own accord” John 10:11-18
Jesus chose to die, not because he embraced death or had no regard for his life, but he loved others as he loved himself and this was the supreme act of love for those in his care. In verse 10 he contrasts himself with the thief who takes life, he dies to save life!
This reading makes clear that Jesus isn’t a pawn or a victim. He has the power to give up his life and it’s his decision. He dies to rise again and show the way to the father. He died that we also may rise.
This is our faith, the Easter message.
Death is not the end – it does not have the last word. Christ knows each of us as an individual and loves each one of us. Those who know the voice of the Good Shepherd in this life will hear him speak their name on the other side of earthly death. It is beyond our imagining, but one day we will encounter the glory and splendour of Christ and stand before him just as we are and just as he knows us to be.
Jesus said, “love one another as I have loved you.”
The letter of John that we heard says: “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech but in truth and action.”
How we act with love and integrity in our daily lives is a challenge. And as Christians must meet that challenge. The right way to behave isn’t always straightforward especially in this complicated and ever-changing fearful world. Questions over the politics, the economy, our own lives, relationships and situations. Nothing is seldom black and white. We need to have courage.
We are called to encourage and support one another in faith. Jesus in his teaching has given us guidance. We must journey in this world together, however frightening it may sometimes seem, trusting in the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life to save us, knowing that it’s in him and through him that we find the way to God.