Daily Reflection

“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.”

Having established that he is the good shepherd, prepared to lay down his life to save the flock, Jesus shifts his focus to the flock itself and discloses that he has other sheep that are not presently within the fold. His call is not simply to Israel, but to the Gentiles as well, the intention being that the flock will be one (see the end of the priestly prayer in John 17). But then Jesus returns to his intention to lay down his life, revealing that he is no victim. As he has the power to lay down his life, he also possesses the power to take life up again. This eventual act of offering his life is much more than an accident. Much, much bigger things are in play.

Good, Good Shepherd, You extended Your arms in a strange and powerful welcome, and have moved to draw in all. All of us. Thanks be to God. Amen

Christian Seasons Calendar

Daily Reflection

Sunday, April 21, 2024