Sermon: April 21, 2024

Reading: John 10: 11-18

Just because Jesus said we are one flock does not mean that we are all the same. Jesus’ acceptance of others is as wide and diverse as God’s creation. Jesus did not exclude others based on the social standards of the day, and it is not done today based on social standards. Jesus included others based on the love God has for his creation, a love that accepts and celebrates the gift of diversity. It is into this flock we are called to be a part of. As sheep belonging to God, it is not our job to draw lines or determine who’s in or who’s out. We are to look into the eyes of a stranger and see there the love that is in our own hearts no longer seeing a stranger but our siblings in Christ.

We are to follow the lead of our Good Shepherd and emulate the beauty of his love, a love that encompasses mercy, grace, forgiveness, understanding, and compassion. It is in serving that love that we serve God. It is a love that binds us and all of humanity together; it is a love that transcends ethnicity, religion, politics, or any other perceived differences as we place God’s love above all else, counteracting the bigotry, hatred, and fear that inundate our society.

The image of Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd is powerful. He is the one who laid down his life for us, who walks with us through the valley of darkness, offering us comfort and calming our fears as he leads us to lush green pastures with gently flowing water, giving rest to our weary souls.

May we listen for the voice of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, so we may better navigate the darkness and challenges by loving one another as Jesus loves us not just by words or speech but through truth and action, bringing hope, change, and reconciliation to the world gathered as God’s one flock, God’s one human family united by God’s love.