Consider the Word, May 5, 2022

Consider the Word, May 5, 2022
Fourth Sunday after Easter
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for May 8:

Acts 9:36-43

Psalm 23

Revelation 7:9-17

John 10:22-30

 
Collect:

O God of peace,

who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

by the blood of the eternal covenant,

make us perfect in every good work to do your will,

and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
Reading: Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd; * I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures * and leads me beside still waters.

3 He revives my soul * and guides me along right pathways for his name’s sake.

4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; * for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; * you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.

6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, * and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

 
Reading: John 10:22-30

At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."

 
Reflection Questions:

1. With reference to Jesus’ earlier words in John 10:1-21, how are Jesus’ sheep different from those who are not in his flock?
2. John 10:28-29 tells us that no one can snatch God’s sheep out of his hand. What does that mean for us?
3. What did Jesus mean when he said, “I and the Father are one”?

 
Closing Prayer:

Glory to you, Jesus Christ, our good shepherd.

In the waters of baptism you give us new birth,

at your table you nourish us with heavenly food,

and in your goodness and mercy,

you guide us beyond the terrors of evil and death

to your Father’s home to dwell in eternal light.

Glory to you for ever. Amen.

 
The Message:
Reading: Psalm 23

^1-3 God, my shepherd!

    I don’t need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

    you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word,

True to your word,

    you let me catch my breath

    and send me in the right direction.

⁴ Even when the way goes through

    Death Valley,

I’m not afraid

I’m not afraid

    when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd’s crook

Your trusty shepherd’s crook

    makes me feel secure.

⁵ You serve me a six-course dinner

    right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head;

You revive my drooping head;

    my cup brims with blessing.

⁶ Your beauty and love chase after me

    every day of my life.

I’m back home in the house of God

I’m back home in the house of God

    for the rest of my life.

 
Reading: John 10:22-30

^22-24 They were celebrating Hanukkah just then in Jerusalem. It was winter. Jesus was strolling in the Temple across Solomon’s Porch. The Jews, circling him, said, “How long are you going to keep us guessing? If you’re the Messiah, tell us straight out.”

^25-30 Jesus answered, “I told you, but you don’t believe. Everything I have done has been authorized by my Father, actions that speak louder than words. You don’t believe because you’re not my sheep. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind.”

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson