4th Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10
The good shepherd discourse in the Gospel of John is a response to the episode involving the blind man healed at the pool of Siloam in the previous chapter. Due to his blindness from birth, he was rejected for perceived sins he never committed. After being restored, he is deemed suspicious by the authorities. However, he stands by Jesus and, consequently, is expelled from the community.
Jesus catches up with him afterward, and the good shepherd discourse begins. The rejected yet restored man who recognizes Jesus as Lord (John 9:38) now belongs to his flock, and the good shepherd will go to great lengths to provide him and all his sheep with abundant life.
In Acts, we have a glimpse of what life as Jesus’ flock may look like. Following the voice of their shepherd, they dedicate themselves to his words, the breaking of the bread, and the joyful and generous care of their neighbors’ needs. Blessed by the Spirit, more and more are sent to this beloved community.
In 1 Peter, Jesus’ flock is reminded of the example of their shepherd at the cross and how he sought no retaliation. Instead, they are encouraged to place trust in “the one who judges justly” (verse 24) and is “the shepherd and guardian of [their] souls (25).”
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not be in want (Psalm 23:1).”
Bridging Faith 