Jesus Is the Good Shepherd
Here is today’s sermon based on John 10:11-18:
During CH-BOLC, we had the chance to practice our navigation skills. We did Day Land Nav and Night Land Nav. Now, we were given a map, some coordinates, a compass, a protractor and then sent on our way. We had to follow the course of the coordinates, check in, and find our way back in a reasonable amount of time. It was not a difficult task and we appointed a navigator, a leader, and the rest of us followed in course. We successfully missed the bramble patch, the pond, and the swamp and our squad won the best time. Move ahead 6 hours and we are ready for Night Land Nav. Same parameters and rules except we get our trusty red lens flashlight. It should be easy but that is not the case. Suddenly, everyone has suggestions. Everyone wants to lead. Everyone wants to read the map. We don’t miss the bramble patch, we hit the swamp, and that barbed wire fence? Yeah, there go those pants. We suffered from too many colonels and not enough sergeants. Too many chiefs and not enough Indians. Too many shepherds and not enough sheep.
I think the same thing happens for us – both individually and collectively as a church. During the good times, when we are walking through the forest in the daylight, we are content to let someone else lead. We will follow someone else and all is fine and dandy. Then we have to live through darkness or storms or whatever and suddenly, we want to take charge. We know best. We think we can do this on our own but it is this time especially, that we need to learn to depend on others. We can’t see the brambles and the swamps. We need others and especially one to guide us.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. These are some of the most comforting words in Scripture for every believer. Many are familiar with the painting portraying Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Jesus is calmly standing amidst a flock of sheep. In one hand he holds his shepherd’s staff. In the other arm Jesus is securely holding an innocent lamb completely safe. This is a very fitting picture revealing the depth of meaning of the words in our text. This is the picture that the prophet Isaiah painted long before the physical birth of Jesus. ” Like a shepherd, God will tend the flock; he will gather lambs in his arms and lift them onto his lap. He will gently guide the nursing ewes.”(Isaiah 40:11). We direct our attention to this comforting truth in God’s word:
- Love Led Jesus to the Ultimate Sacrifice
- Today’s gospel (John 10:1-18) introduces our sermon text. The “disciples did not understand”.
- Jesus wants to make it very, very clear: “I am the good shepherd”, verses 11a, 14a.
- Verse 11b. The good shepherd would even offer his life in order to save the sheep.
- Verse 12. The hired hand is not like the good shepherd when it comes to dedication and service.
- The original Greek uses a word that shows this hireling only want money and nothing else.
- Verse 13. The sheep mean nothing to the money hungry hired man.
- Verse 14. The good shepherd and the sheep know each other, closely, intimately, and personally.
- Now Jesus wants the disciples to understand he has this same closeness with his Father, v. 15.
- Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will lay down his life for the sheep. This is the ultimate sacrifice.
- We are like sheep. Our sins cause us to wander away. Left to our own we would be lost forever. Like sheep we need a good shepherd to protect us. We need a good shepherd who would even be willing to offer up his life to save us. Most amazing we have that very Good Shepherd. Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd. ” he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”(Philippians 2:8). By grace through faith we know Jesus our Good Shepherd.
- When Jesus died on the cross he was not selective about who would be forgiven. Most amazing, Jesus the Good Shepherd died for the sins of the whole world. His innocent sufferings and death was the price demanded for the payment of sin. Jesus holy, precious blood covered the sins of mankind once and for all. No other sacrifice is ever needed. “He is God’s way of dealing with our sins, not only ours but the sins of the whole world.”(1 John 2:2). This is certainly and truly God’s amazing grace. Sadly, those who reject Christ also reject his forgiveness and heaven itself.
- There are only two types of people in this world: believers and unbelievers. There is a vast difference in the lives of believers and unbelievers. The unbelievers live lives that are very self-centered and self-serving. After all they are only and ever going to look out for number one – themselves. They are the ones who are trying to navigate on their own. I have been one of those people before. I am sure you have too. But the believers look at what the Good Shepherd has done. The believers realize that their lives are completely and forever changed by the love of Christ. ” He gave himself for us in order to rescue us from every kind of lawless behavior, and cleanse a special people for himself who are eager to do good actions.”(Titus 2:14). As believers we live lives that love God and serve our fellow man. By the power of the risen Christ we are able to turn from sin. Living in the resurrected power of our Good Shepherd we live lives that are “eager to do what is good”! We can do this only by God’s grace at work in us.
- Today’s gospel (John 10:1-18) introduces our sermon text. The “disciples did not understand”.
It was love and love alone that led Jesus to the ultimate sacrifice of his life on the cross – for us, and for others. Power provided Jesus with total victory.
- Power Provided Jesus with Total Victory
- Jesus dearly wanted his disciples to understand the simple teaching that he was the Good Shepherd.
- Jesus compared the good shepherd with the hired hand. They were very different.
- As Good Shepherd, Jesus would always act out of love for the sheep whoever they are.
- But there was more. Jesus had not come only for the lost sheep of Israel but others also, verse 16.
- There were other sheep that needed to be brought into the sheep pen by the voice of Jesus.
- We remember the thief on the cross. Once outside God’s flock and now in paradise.
- Recall the centurion. After the crucifixion he confessed, “Surely this was the Son of God”.
- They heard the voice of Jesus from the cross and listened and followed, other sheep no longer.
- Jesus now describes the power that he has in verses 17, 18a. Jesus lays down his life on his own.
- Six months later the disciples see these words fulfilled. Jesus’ love held him on the cross.
- Jesus laid down his life for one purpose. Verse 18. Giving up his life, Jesus would raise it!
- The Father sent his Son to do all this as the Good Shepherd for all straying, lost sheep.
- We have looked at Jesus’ love that led him to the cross and the ultimate sacrifice. The love of our Good Shepherd did not stop there. Jesus was laid to rest in the tomb. But on Easter the tomb was empty. Jesus took back his life. Jesus rose again in total victory over sin, death, and the devil. By grace we know, believe, and confess this vital victorious truth of the Scriptures. “Since we believe that Jesus died and rose, so we also believe that God will bring with him those who have died in Jesus.”(1 Thessalonians 4:14). The victory that Jesus won was not for himself but for us and for the world.
- Today, some would rather not talk about sin. Sin, well, sin is just too negative. People want to deny sin, reject sin, and cover it up as if it never existed. With no sin there is no need for a Savior. True, it is not pleasant at all to hear that we are sinners. It is not pleasant to be reminded, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags”. But this is the truth of God’s word. Along with this truth of the law come the truth and the comfort of the gospel. “ He destroyed the record of the debt we owed, with its requirements that worked against us. He canceled it by nailing it to the cross. When he disarmed the rulers and authorities, he exposed them to public disgrace by leading them in a triumphal parade.”(Colossians 2:14,15). God’s law has been fulfilled – perfectly and completely. Our Good Shepherd gives us his total victory over sin that we may live to love and serve him.
- Total victory, everyone loves to be a winner. Everyone loves to be a champion. That is what we are. Our Good Shepherd has given us the victory of death itself. This victory, Jesus’ victory, is God’s gift to us. Simply put, we cannot earn salvation. We do not deserve salvation. Freely, through Christ, God gives to every believer his gift of total victory into eternal life! “Now his grace is revealed through the appearance of our savior, Christ Jesus. He destroyed death and brought life and immortality into clear focus through the good news.”(2 Timothy 1:10). Our Good Shepherd gives us his total victory.
- Jesus dearly wanted his disciples to understand the simple teaching that he was the Good Shepherd.
This is Christ the Lord, Jesus the/our Good Shepherd. Once again we have only begun to scratch the surface of the depth of God’s great love for us lost, wandering sheep. We daily stand in awe and wonder at the great and marvelous things God has done for us! What love that Christ would die willingly for us. What love that Christ would freely give us his victory. No matter what we face in this world our Good Shepherd is always there holding us safely, securely in his strong grasp. ” They will make war on the Lamb, but the Lamb will emerge victorious, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.””(Revelation 17:14). Love led him to the cross. Power provides us victory. Amen.
Here is today’s worship bulletin.
Fathers, Soccer,and God
Standing outside on a cold, Saturday morning in the rain on a muddy ground is not always fun. In fact, I think most people would avoid it except for a dedicated group of people: fathers. There is something about loving your child that draws you to do things you would otherwise rather avoid.
So there I was standing with the other fathers watching my 5 year old play soccer and having the best time. I experienced sheer joy and a deep love for my daughter as she laughed and had a great time. The reward was her joy of the moment and the fun she was having as she played soccer.
It is a not a far stretch to see God in this moment. The love I feel for my daughter is just a glimmer, a hint of God’s love for us. There is nothing Sophia has to do to earn my love and there is nothing I have to do to earn God’s love either. I just have to be me – I think there are even times when I don’t even have to love God back to get his love.
Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God. -Ephesians 5:2 (CEB)
Of course, I do love God back and I strive to love all those around me as well. Today reminded me of Easter and Easter love. God gives us glimmer of that love in our daily lives. I have heard people say they never feel or notice the presence of God but I do on a regular basis. It may not be a burning bush or a loud voice in the night but it is watching your child play soccer and seeing the joy on her face. It is when she holds your hand and smiles at you. It is when she gives you that look that only daughters can give their fathers.
It is in those moments, that Easter love can be felt and experienced.
More on the Joy of Fatherhood
There are very few things in this life that can make a guy well up in emotion than his daughter. I feel this nearly every day as I watch 
my little girl grow up and become an independent person. I strive to teach her but in the end she teaches me as well. It is a joy to be her father and I look forward to the years to come. It is a humbling experience to be a father but there is also joy.
Today for example during the children’s message at Church, my daughter knew all of the answers. In fact, she took over the children’s message to the frustration of the person leading it. I was proud (not that she took over) that she could answer questions and share what she knew about Jesus. She has that childlike faith that Jesus calls us all to have. She can sweetly share what she knows and she doesn’t worry about what other people may think of her. It is one of those many lessons she shares with me.
My daughter is also content with what she gets (can we all say the same thing?). Today at church, she shared that she was looking forward to an Easter egg hunt at home. Well, my wife and I didn’t plan to have one but we managed to use plastic eggs and some of her Easter candy to pull one off while she was napping. She was so excited as she ran through the yard to find eggs that it just melted my heart. She was happy and content and filled with joy. Why can’t we all do the same with what we have? Why do we always want something else or something more?
I am grateful, as always, that God has given me the privilege to be Sophia’s father. I learn from her as I hope she learns from me. More importantly, she reminds me what unconditional love really is and how God loves me the same as I love her.
Willing to Accept and Serve
A reading from Galations (CEB):
You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only don’t let this freedom be an opportunity to indulge your selfish impulses, but serve each other through love. All the Law has been fulfilled in a single statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.But if you bite and devour each other, be careful that you don’t get eaten up by each other!
This passage pulls no punches: It is strong and to the point. We are reminded that we have freedom; we are no longer in bondage to sin because of Christ. However, in order to accept this freedom, we must decide for ourselves whether we will accept or reject his love. Even if we open our eyes and hearts to the Lord, we still have more choices to make. We can lead idle lives of self-indulgence and sin, or we can follow the instructions of our Savior and love others as we would want them to treat us.
The gut reaction to this question is simple: We want to follow God and want to lead a Christian life. Accomplishing that goal can be exceptionally difficult.
I like to think that Paul in his letter to the Christians of Galatia knew how hard leading a Christian life could be. But he announces no short cut or easy way out. Instead, he is blunt.
He tells us that, as Christians, we must decide to sacrifice our unlimited freedom and willingly give our time, our treasure and our emotions to others. Although this is hard, we must daily renew our acceptance of the Lord and commit ourselves to serving others with love and compassion. In this final week before Holy Week, let’s focus ourselves on renewing our acceptance of God’s grace and salvation (or accepting it for the first time) and striving to renew our commitment to leading a Christian life. It is not easy in this world but it is worth it in the long run.
Dear God, I pray that with each action I take, I do you honor by treating others with the love and respect I would wish for myself. Amen.
The Theology of Love
Here is my sermon for the 4th Sunday in Lent based on John 3:14-21:
A few years ago, Mr. Rogers was invited to give the invocation for the graduation at Boston College. As the Presbyterian minister stepped to the podium, the deans and professors were not prepared for what happened next. The 5,400 graduates leaped to their feet, threw their hats in the air, and began to chant “Mr. Rogers!” Standing behind the podium, Mr. Rogers wondered how he would get the excited kids to quiet down so he could pray. In his tiny voice, he said into the microphone, “Will you sing with me?” The graduates linked arms and swayed together as they sang songs about neighbors and neighborhoods.
The collective memory of the graduates went back to the happy songs, simple puppetry, and grandfatherly conversation. He used these tools to share his message with children everywhere. What was that message? That you are special. That you are loved. That you are worthwhile. It does not matter what is on the outside but what matters most is what is on the inside.
If we look at the familiar lines of John 3:15, we can see that Mr. Rogers’ simple message echoes God’s message to the world. You are loved. You are special. You are worthwhile. You are so loved, worthwhile, and special that God gave all of heaven just for you.
Let’s take a look at this one verse line by line.
- For God so loved the world
- Our view of God
- Santa Claus: we get whatever we ask for with no strings attached
- A Las Vegas slot machine: put your good deed coin in the slot and hope for a jackpot
- Ebenezer Scrooge: someone who drains all the fun and joy out of life by following a bunch of rules
- The Bible gives a clear picture of God
- A better image would be a loving parent
- Lived in fellowship with humanity in the Garden of Eden
- Slow to anger but quick to forgive
- Walking daily in the garden
- Seeking humanity out
- Adam and Eve began to doubt that love
- We’ve all been there
- Listened to Satan (or do we listen to friends)
- Sin penetrated the human heart
- What does sin do to us?
- David Roever’s story in Vietnam (include white phosphorus)
- Unlike David’s case, sin will continue to burn unless it is doused with blood and it is always fatal
- What’s a loving God to do?
- Our view of God
- That He gave his only begotten Son
- God’s secret plan
- Developed knowing humanity would doubt his love
- Jesus would come to earth to pay the penalty for our sin
- Only the one who knew the full height and depth of God’s love could show it on earth
- In a mystery that defies our understanding
- The king of glory became the babe of Bethlehem
- The creator of the universe became a creator of furniture
- He gathered children in his arms, healed the sick, raised the dead, and shared the kingdom of God in a humorous wit
- He did not flinch in the face of oppression
- Even when he was opposing the religious leaders of his day, he had tears in eyes because of his love for them
- Ultimately, he died on the cross for us
- Treated as we deserved so we might be treated as he deserves
- He was suffered the death that was ours so we might receive the life that was his
- God’s secret plan
- That whosever should believe him should not perish but have eternal life
- The future is bright for those who embrace love
- Jesus who lived, died, rose again, and ascended to heaven promised to come again one day
- When he does there will be
- No more death
- No more war
- No more earthquakes or tsunamis
- No more gangs or violence
- No more illness
- He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” –Revelation 21:4 (CEB)
- So what does it take to get all of that?
- Jesus gave us the answer
- Whoever believes in him will have everlasting life
- We can’t do it on our own
- We need outside help (it would be like trying to do surgery on yourself)
- We need Jesus
- The way we connect to Jesus is through faith
- By trusting Jesus, we admit that we can’t do it alone
- The bleeding woman (Mark 5:24-34)
- Was not just a casual touch to see what would happen
- A deep, need to connect and be healed
- Casual contact and deep faith
- To believe that Jesus lived like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln is not enough
- To believe intellectually is not enough
- The future is bright for those who embrace love
On day, Brian Campbell traveled to Pittsburgh to visit the Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood set. He was awkward as he had William’s syndrome which causes mild mental retardation and heart defects. As he walked through the studio, he spotted his hero.
“You’re the real Mr. Rogers!”
Mr. Rogers bent down to shake his hand and said, “And you are the real you. You’re brave to shake my hand.”
“I’m special, aren’t I, Mr. Rogers?”
“Yes, you are.”
“You know what, Mr. Rogers? You are my friend!”
And with that, Brian began to sing some of the neighborhood songs. As the last words were sung, Brian’s eyes got big and he said, “Mr. Rogers, can I give you a big hug?”
Down on his knees, Fred Rogers opened his arms as Brian fell into that warm embrace.
Right now, God is bending down to take you into his arms. I wonder if you will fall into that embrace? Will you say, I love you Jesus? Do you want to spend eternity basking in the wonder of his love? Embrace the love. For God so loved the world, that God gave God’s only son that all who believe in him will not die but have eternal life. Amen.
Here is today’s worship bulletin.
I Am Loved
I probably could let this post stand just like this but you probably want to know more so here it is. I spent my morning and afternoon with my daughter. I have been planning a “Daddy-Sophia” day for the past few weeks since I know I am leaving tomorrow for three months. We had a great time and there were a few tears from me along the way. I thought this would be an easy day but in many ways it has been a hard one. I know “good-bye” is coming sooner than I want it but I can’t stop it. I am simply moving along in God’s plan.
Then a remarkable thing happened. While I was enjoying dinner with Sophia, she shared something (as four years often do) with a person sitting nearby. As I was getting up to get something, I heard her say:
That’s my daddy. He’s going to the Army tomorrow. I love him and I am proud of him.
Yup. The tears started flowing right then and I turned around and gave her a big hug. I may be going away for awhile but I am loved. I am loved by my wife and daughter, my parents, and my friends. I may be separated from them geographically but they will still be nearby. It is not going to be easy but then there are a lot of things that are not so easy in this life.
But there is something else even more remarkable. The love of my family and friends pales in comparison to the love of God. My daughter loves me unconditionally but God loves me even more. Right now, I can’t even wrap my head around that idea but it is helping me to ease into this transition. I go with the love of many and that is a good thing.
About those tears: for those that know me really well, you will know that I am an avid fan of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and the movie adaptations. There is a great line that Gandalf speaks that I thinks sums up what I am feeling:
I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.
If I wasn’t loved and I didn’t love, I wouldn’t be crying. It will be hard but I am coming home in a few months. I will cry because I am loved.
Do We Need a National Coming Out Day?
Today marks National Coming Out Day. Do we really need this day? Now before you throw stones at me, please put them down and hear me out.
Lately, I have noticed that our culture (I hesitate to say “civilization”) has develop a certain animosity towards specific groups of people. Muslims, Gays, Lesbians to name a few. It seems that suddenly we want to reject anybody who is different than we are. To quote a cliche – what would Jesus do?
I have so many thoughts running through my head but primarily I see all people as children of God and therefore the recipients of God’s prodigal love. The fact that I am white, male, and straight does not entitle to more of God’s love than the next person. Yet we seem to feel that some people should be condemned because they believe differently than we do or they act differently than we do or they look differently. If that isn’t sad enough, we often do this in the name of Jesus. We reject and hate people in the name of our Savior who came to love us unequivocably despite our sinful nature. It’s okay to hate other people because we do it in the name of Jesus. See anything wrong with this picture?
Now before I come across as being righteous, I will admit that I do have some struggles with issues surrounding the LGBT community. I have tried to a be a faithful and true friend to my LGBT friends but I do fail as I am human. However, despite my concerns or struggles, I do believe they are children of God and they are just as important in God’s eyes as I am. In talking with members of the LGBT community and my friends, many of them tell me that they would not have picked to be the wan’y they are if given the choice but on the other hand they wouldn’t change who they are now. So despite all of the struggles and the animosity of society, they want to be who they are!
Yet, we in society seem to be content to harass and hate people to the point they commit suicide and we do this in the nam
e of Jesus!! What is wrong with us? Are people proud that they are doing such sinful and awful acts towards other people? Do they feel justified in their faith? I don’t know but I do know the Jesus I love and the God I serve would not have me hate people in God’s name. I do know that I am called to love all people as they are as many before me have done. I am ashamed of the actions of my fellow human beings towards others!
So back to my original question: do we need a national coming out day? Sadly, yes we do. We need a day when people can feel comfortable and safe to be who they are and celebrate who they are – even if it is once a year. However, I look forward to the day when we can all be who we are without fear. When we can all be children of God and celebrate what makes us well us. When we can embrace one another in love and forget that we are different or at least those difference will not be barriers but rather joys. Maybe in my lifetime.
I am a straight ally who is in support of all those who are LGBT on this National Coming Out Day.
A Little Perspective
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, –Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. –1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV)
