This Sunday’s Worship, “Get our hearing checked”

John 10:22-30

The post-resurrection accounts in the Gospel of John all point to one thing: identity; specifically, our acceptance of the risen Savior. The third week after Easter is traditionally known as Shepherd’s Sunday, and, based on the John text, we’ll “get our hearing checked” as we consider the voice of the Good Shepherd. Are we listening? Do we know who we’re listening to or for? How do we know it’s the voice of Jesus? After all, sheep are pretty dumb. Just sayin’! Find out what listening sounds like and what following looks like.

Next Sunday’s Worship Theme, Farewell Discourse

This passage begins a collection of passages known as the Farewell Discourse. Jesus is preparing the disciples for a life without his physical presence. More than offering comfort, Jesus is trying to reorient them toward their mission. The community is still at a vulnerable state in its life together. If the community doesn’t learn to inhabit a love that will thrive despite its differences, the message of God in the broader community will be affected.