Easter is a 7 week long season, one week longer than Lent. In this season, we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and consider ourselves as a part of the church which is promised a Resurrection like His.
About this Sunday: This Sunday is often called
“Good Shepherd Sunday”, because all of the readings point to our “Good Shepherd”, who is Jesus – the Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.
Reflecting on the Readings:
• Acts 2:42-47 – Life In the Sheepfold – Luke’s recording of the early church reveals how the early Christians lived out their understanding of being God’s beloved sheep. How do you live out your understanding of your relationship to God? • Psalm 23 – Trusting the Shepherd – David points to God as His shepherd and the trust that the sheep have in their shepherd. What do you trust God will do for you? • I Peter 2:19-25 – The Suffering Shepherd – Peter points out that Jesus suffered for you because you have gone astray. When have you gone astray from your Shepherd? • John 10:1-10 – The Sheep Life – Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gives abundant life to His sheep. What is “abundant life” and do you believe Jesus has given it to you? Law and Gospel: • Law: Sheep are easily confused and frightened. When they are confused and frightened, they go astray and put themselves in dangerous situations. If we’re honest, we can begin to see why Jesus refers to us as “sheep”. • Gospel: Jesus comes to give abundant life to His sheep who know His voice. Abundant life is God’s gift to you, not only in the Resurrection, but today. We wouldn’t want an eternal life if it weren’t abundant, but since we know life’s abundance, we are excited about eternity. Living the Lectionary Ideas: • Learn: Jesus warns us of “false shepherds” whose intent is to do harm. Learn 5 teachings Lutheran Christians believe to false and why we believe they are false. • Do: Share a meal with fellow believers like the early disciples did and consider what it would be like to live in the community of Acts chapter 2. • Live: Trying to increase your trust of God and trusting that He will make you “lie down in green pastures,” and will lead you “by still waters.”