04/30/2020
from the pastor
Thursday, April 30th
The Scripture Reading for Sunday, May 3rd is John 10:1-10
In these verses Jesus refers to a sheepfold, a common sight in Palestine in his day. But when he refers to himself as the age and the shepherd, what he says becomes puzzling for his first readers, because those are two positions usually requiring two different persons. The enclosure called the sheepfold had a small section that was an open space in the wall, which was the gate or the door into the pen. One person laid across that opening to keep predators out and the sheep in. This person was the gate or the door into the sheepfold or pen.
The shepherd was another person who as evening fell, led his flock into the fold for the night. There they remained among other flocks who were also being protected from predators and thieves. In the morning, the shepherd came back into the fold, and called the sheep of his flock by name. Because they knew his voice, the sheep of his flock separated themselves from the other sheep, and followed him out of the fold to green pastures where they fed for the day. The sheep are not driven like cows. They are led by the shepherd who walks before them.
Jesus says, "Whoever enters by me (literally through me) will be saved, and will come in and out and find pasture" (vs.9). Through Christ there is entrance to safety (saved, salvation) and pasture (nourishment, provision, sustenance). Through Jesus there is protection and provision, security and sustenance. Later Jesus describes himself to his intimate flock as the way the to Father (14:6). Indeed, what Jesus promises and gives is a quality of life in intimate communion with God … life that does not end, and life that is rich and overflowing.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Amen? Amen.
