A note from Pastor regarding his sermon:

The Fourth Sunday of Easter in the three-year lectionary is typically called “Good Shepherd Sunday,” because our Gospel reading comes from Jesus’ lesson in John 10 when He declares Himself to be the Good Shepherd. This often conjures peaceful and comforting images of Jesus leading us, protecting us, and feeding us, much as the Lord does in Psalm 23. 

But the context of the Good Shepherd lesson gives us another important element of what Jesus wishes us to consider when we read these words. Next year, our Good Shepherd Sunday reading will contrast the Good Shepherd with the hired hands that care nothing for the sheep. But this year, we read the part of Jesus’ lesson that warns of robbers who break into the sheepfold instead of entering through the gate. As much as we are like sheep, and as much as we depend upon God to protect and provide for us, we must also be wary of false shepherds who break in and steal or harm us, seeking after their own good. Follow your true shepherd!