Preachrblog

  A “figure of speech”. Sometimes Jesus spoke plainly. But other times, not so much. Always Jesus spoke the truth, but sometimes that truth was given in a way that wasn't as obvious, especially to the unbeliever.  Today is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday”. On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, our readings draw us into the grand scriptural metaphor of the shepherd and sheep. It's a favorite metaphor used by Christ, and an important theme, really, throughout all of Scripture.  Consider these important Old Testament figures who truly were shepherds: Abel, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Moses, David, Amos – and many others. The kings of Israel were also seen as shepherds – guarding and protecting the flock of their kingdom.  And woe to the shepherds that lead the sheep astray!  And of course, our well-loved Psalm 23 tells us, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”. Jesus aptly picks up on this depiction, and calls himself the “Good Shepherd”.  Today we take one of ...

The disciples were in lockdown .  Not for fear of COVID, but for fear of the Jews .  They saw what happened to Jesus, and they didn’t want to be next .  Maybe if we just hunker down here this will all soon blow over .  When the coast is clear, we can go back to Galilee and figure out what’s next .  But the women are saying some strange things, and Peter and John confirmed it, the tomb is empty .  Could it possibly be that Jesus did what he said he would do, that he rose from the dead?   And directly into this swirling mess of fear and confusion and doubt, comes Jesus .  He simply appears in their midst, with no explanation, and needing no invitation.   He doesn’t scold them for their cowardice .  He doesn’t come to berate them for leaving him out to dry in his darkest hour .  He doesn’t come to punish them for their failures .  He comes in peace.   “Peace be with you” he says .  And already in this greeting, ...