Fourth Sunday of Easter
John 10:22-30 (NRSV)
Jesus promises life to his sheep
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."
John 10:22-30 (NRSV)
Jesus promises life to his sheep
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."
Reflection
"I told you!" Somewhere there is a cassette tape of my Mom yelling these very words at my Dad. I'm not sure of any of the details, but I can remember the tone of Mom's voice and the soft reply from my Dad. He was sort of like a whipped puppy.
Jesus has told us too. We can read and see the works he has done in history, through history and even in our own lives. Reflect on those works and believe. We hear his voice and know him. We hear his voice and are comforted. We hear his voice and gladly run to him. In our Shepherd we receive comfort and eternal life. I told you! Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, it's so nice to hear your voice! I believe! --- Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment