April 30, 2023. Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year A.
Jesus uses the metaphor of shepherd and sheep to console and warn his disciples. He consoles them with the promise that the shepherd will call them by name. He also warns them of bandits—counterfeit shepherds—whose strange voices will eventually blow their cover. But what are the criteria of discernment? What about the true shepherd’s voice resonates with the sheep? While the false shepherds condone division and violence, the good shepherd embodies God’s self- giving ways (the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep).
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis
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