Brothers and sisters, the Church often refers to the fourth Sunday of Easter as Good Shepherd Sunday. The theme for last Sunday included a reminder of the joy we can have because of Jesus’ death and resurrection—your sin is forgiven, and Jesus has opened heaven and eternal life to you. This week the Easter season continues, and the theme makes a slight shift to consider the peace, comfort, and assurance we also have in Jesus. He is our Good Shepherd, and we are the sheep of His fold. He laid down His life for you, redeeming you from sin, death, and the devil by shedding His blood for you that you would belong to Him.
As a reminder, the German Sausage Dinner (GSD) is planned for Saturday May 4. It is a tradition in the community and provides funds for our projects around the church and other charities. Your participation is very important in making the day a success. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors.
Sunday April 21st we will worship following the liturgy of Divine Service One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal.
Hymns chosen for the day are This is the Feast; #480 He’s Risen, He’s Risen; #710 The Lord’s My Shepherd; #683 Jesus Thy Boundless Love to Me; and #468 I Am Content.
Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 23; Acts 4:1-12; 1 John 3:16-24; and John 10:11-18.
Psalm 23 is psalm written by King David and is familiar to many people. During his childhood, David was a shepherd giving him hours of opportunity to contemplate the comparison between what he did as a shepherd to protect and care for his sheep, and what God did for him and does for you as well. God in His mercy feeds us, protects us, and promises to lead us through death so that we can feast at His heavenly banquet table.
Acts 4 tells what happened after Peter invoked the name of Jesus and healed a lame man. Religious leaders and the temple security arrested Peter and John, demanding to know by what power they were able to do this miracle. Peter used the challenge as an opportunity to once again invoke the name of Jesus, boldly declaring that it was because of Jesus that the man was able to walk. Peter makes sure to point out that this is the same Jesus whom those religious leaders had ordered to be put to death. Seeing the lame man now walking, the leaders had nothing much to say. There was no denying that a miracle had taken place. But they were concerned that new od Jesus would spread. So they ordered the disciples to quit talking about Jesus. But Peter and John pushed back, saying they could not deny what they had seen and heard from Jesus. They were merely witnessing to Jesus. He is the sole source of salvation for all of us. Pray that every member of the church would be similarly bold to tell others about Jesus.
In 1 John Chapter 3, the apostle continues to describe the love God has for you. His Son, Jesus, laid down His life for you. We love our neighbors, not merely with words but also with actions, because Jesus loved us.
John 10 includes what is sometimes referred to as the Good Shepherd discourse. It has been church tradition to consider various portions of this chapter on the Fourth Sunday of Easter. In this Sunday’s Gospel reading Jesus contrasts himself from hired shepherds. Hired hands don’t really care about the sheep, and will flee at the first sign of difficulty or danger. If a wolf attacks the sheep, the hired hand abandons them to save himself. In contrast, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for you, His sheep. He was willing to give up His life to rescue you from the accusing attacks of the devil. Jesus’ crucifixion was no accident. It was an essential part of God’s plan of salvation. And with divine power, Jesus took up His life again to conquer death and return to full command over all things. Jesus the Good shepherd is still watching over you, leading you on the way to heaven. Read His words in Scripture that you might hear His voice.
COLLECT: Almighty merciful God, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit so that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name, and follow where He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s readings. God bless you. Pastor Boster
