You will find the readings at the bottom of this post.
The Gospel reading of the Good Shepherd is from John:10:1-10.
It may want to read the passage just prior to this (Chap 9, The Man Born Blind) because it is the context for Chapter 10. The man born blind, healed by Jesus and questioned by the chief priests and Pharisees, was essentially rejected by the Old Covenant authorities. Jesus seeks the man out after this and brings him to faith in him (Jesus) as the Messiah; then Jesus accuses the Scribes and Pharisees of being the ones who are "blind." The stage is now set for the shepherd discussion. Why? Because of the many references in the OT to how the Shepherds of Israel (the Temple priests/leaders) have failed to take care of the people of Israel (sheep). Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Micah all prophesy that the Lord (God) will come himself to take away this duty from Israel and make things right. We will look at those prophesies on Monday.
This key will help you with the story:
Sheepfold - a stone enclosure with one gate or entryway; refers to the people of God, the body of Christ, the Church.
The Gate and Gatekeeper - Jesus Christ
Flock - scattered sheep; the lost tribes of Israel (and even the remaining tribes!)
Shepherds of old - the Temple priests/leaders who forgot the people and only took care of themselves. The Good Shepherd - the Lord.
Lead the sheep in and out - the Good Shepherd will lead the people out of the Old Covenant and into the New Covenant. See Micah 2:12-13.
Who are the strangers, robbers, and thieves?
The Psalm of David chosen for today is Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd!
ACTS 2:14a,36-41 Peter's Inaugural Speech at Pentecost (part 2)
It's important to know that the Hebrew rite of initiation into the Covenant with God, beginning with Abraham, was circumcision. This was replaced by Baptism, which is the rite of initiation into the New Covenant. Baptism became so after Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit came to him. The necessity of circumcision was debated by the Apostles and leaders of Jewish Christians at their "first council" (Council of Jerusalem) in 48 AD. Circumcision was no longer mandated after this; Peter made the final ruling. (Acts 15)
In the reading, Peter tells the people of Jerusalem, "Repent and be baptized."
"Repent" means to turn your mind and heart away from your past ways and towards God.
"Baptism" was the entrance into the New Covenant.
1 Peter 2:20b-25
Peter introduces the idea that there is value in suffering. This does not mean we should desire or seek suffering. It just means that good can come from suffering (or pain, adversity...) if you a) connect it to Christ's suffering and b) handle your suffering/adversity properly. We will discuss this further Monday night.
See you on Zoom and God bless you all!
Ron
READINGS...
John 10:1-10
Jesus said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.”
Although Jesus used this figure of speech, the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them. So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: “Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?”
Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.”
He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation. “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.
1 Peter 2:20b-25
Beloved: If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
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