4th Sunday of Easter – Sermon 127
Prayer to start
May the word of my lips and the thoughts of our hearts be graciously received for the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ
AMEN
Introduction
Few words have brought greater comfort and inspiration – across the centuries than – God’s declaration of Himself and His astonishing love for us – through Jesus’ ‘I am ‘ sayings in John’s Gospel –
Like the 23rd Psalm of the OT – our Gospel reading this morning – on the story of the Good Shepherd – is one the few passages of scripture – that many people have some knowledge of – and that – reaches to the very heart of who Jesus – is and why He came among us –
As the true Shepherd of God’s people – Jesus gathers and cares – and offers His life – for His flock – in order to bring them safely home
But – sometimes His sheep are hard to turn back
Listen to this conversation:
Point 1 Jesus comes among us
A young man – was strolling around his local parish church – one morning – casting his eye over the artifacts – flowers and colourful displays – on show –
It was a grade two listed building – much like our own – but which boasted a fourteenth century wall painting depicting Jesus and His disciples sharing the last supper – together
As he contemplated the picture – the man was joined by Jesus – who quietly came up and stood beside him
“Well” said Jesus, “it amazes me the way these artists always fix me – according to the fashion of the times – I never had a fourteenth century hairdo – or a robe – like that ”
‘ Perhaps they are trying to make you relevant to their times’ – said the man
‘ Humph! Yes – perhaps – but maybe they ought to try to grasp the timelessness of my existence – a bit more’ said – Jesus
‘ But its very difficult to understand who you are – outside the context of our own times – said the man,
‘these days – the people in the church – seem to be more worried more about committees and politics – and wanting me to join – this or that – whether it will be fine weather for the next – money raising event – If only you could show them with a thunderbolt – or an amazing miracle just – who you are – and why you’re here’
Everyone says that, said Jesus -‘If you are the Messiah- prove it to me’ –
The Hebrew people were always trying that one on me – “But who are you? – they kept on saying – “Don’t keep us in suspense. Tell us plainly’
Point 2 Jesus’ tells us plainly who He is
‘But it was always plain – I made it just about as plain as I could –
I told you in who I am in that series of sayings that began with ‘I am ‘
And I even performed some symbolic actions to support them – John the Evangelist described my actions as ‘signs’ – it couldn’t have been plainer
“I am the Bread of life” I said – and fed five thousand people on a few loaves and fishes.
I am the true vine’ – I said – and change water from old ritual purifying jars – into new wine –
I am the Good Shepherd’ – I said – and welcomed the lost sheep into my fold – I even walked into the stormy lake – to lead the frightened disciples – in their vulnerable boat – back to safety-
I am the Gate’ – I said – you can only enter through me! – ‘with me close it’s safe to walk with confidence’ – and then I healed the nobleman’s child from a distance – I was pleased with his reaction – he was so sure I healed his son – that he strode home – without a backward glance’ – he didn’t feel the need to keep asking – who I was
“I am the way – the truth and the Life’ – I said – and healed the paralysed man so that he was able to walk on that Way unaided –
“I am the resurrection and the Life’ – I said – and brought – my friend Lazarus back to life – in front of everybody – and they all knew he’d been dead for three days
I am the Light of the World’ – I said – reflecting the everlasting light of God’ – and gave the blind man his sight
Its all in the sayings and the signs – I have spoken it -as plainly as I could – ‘I am God – and God is in me’
Point 3 Jesus tells us why He’s here
That might explain who you are’ said the man – ‘but does it explain why you’re here?’
‘I’m here because of you’ – said Jesus – ‘I’m here not only to tell you about the good news – but to show it – to you as well’
‘I’m here to bring you my Father’s love – and to tell you how He longs for you to turn to Him’
I was sent first to the people of Israel – and then to the whole world looking for those – who are willing to become part of His family – His church
I didn’t get many takers at first – as you can see – in the picture – and even these disciples – lost faith – when I was nailed to the cross –
it was only when they realized I died for them – and showed them how – the Father will bring them back to life – if they followed me- that their faith grew strong –
and then when they received the Holy Spirit – they were able to persuade other people – who wanted to know more
The first step on the road – is listen to me – so you’ve made good start – and then you have to begin to trust and Act on the things that I have said – you know those ‘I am’ sayings and the other things you read about me in the Bible –
I know it won’t be easy – its hard to stay with me – when those around you are not – it’ll help though – if you come to church – and meet other people who are on the same journey as you –
Oh and I’ve asked the Holy Spirit – to support and guide you as well – to fill you with His power and presence – when you need it – you just have to ask –
And remember I’m always here if you need me –
Ending Who do we say He is?
And with that Jesus left the young man to pondered on His words –
And as the man stared again – at the fourteenth century wall painting –
He saw eleven men who looked upon their Lord – with faces of love and adoration –
But the twelfth one leant away from the others – as he dipped his bread – in to a dish of bitter herbs
(pause)
(As children – perhaps from Sunday school – we may remember the stories of the call of people like David – or Samuel – and wonder just how God would call us – but as we get older – we worry less about the how – and more about whether we would fail Him when the time comes –
we accept – that He calls us through everyday things – we know we are not speaking about audible voices anymore – although people in Bible times often heard God speak – but through our consciences – through the written word – through events – other people – even through a picture on a wall –
What we need to remember – is that the shepherd is far more willing – to show us His path – than we are to follow –
He is endlessly merciful – patient – tender and loving – and if we His wayward sheep – really want to be led – He will lead us –
When we need help – we wish we knew someone who is wise enough to tell us what to do – reachable when we need Him – and even able to help us – through difficult times – Jesus is that person – and everything we need –
Our issue is confidence in the shepherd Himself – a confidence so complete – that we offer ourselves without any reservation – determined to do what He says )–
Prayer to finish
In the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit
AMEN