This is Good Shepherd Sunday in Lectionary Year A. This year we read the first part of the Good Shepherd story in John's gospel, verses 1-10. In Year B, we read verses 11-18. In this year's lesson, Jesus is telling his diverse audience about the shepherd who is the one who enters by the gate, who calls the sheep by name, whose sheep know him, and that he is the gate of the sheep. What does he mean by that? At another point, Jesus says that he who enters by him (the Gate) will be saved. He leads the sheep in and out, and they will find pasture. Read this in conjunction with the 23rd Psalm. Jesus says that all who came before him were thieves and bandits, who came to destroy, but the sheep did not listen to them. In contrast, Jesus said he came that they might have life, and life abundantly.
Does this mean, as we hear so many Christians say, that Jesus only offers salvation and life to a select few? Read the remaining verses of John10:11-18. We read about the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, and that there are other sheep in other folds who belong to him, and he will bring them in. Consider The Rev. Dave Johnson's "I am the Gate."
In leading the sheep out of the fold to pasture, is the life we are promised all peace, comfort and security? Remember that part of Psalm 23 which says that even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me; your rod and staff - they comfort me. See "The Shepherd Who Casts Us Out; A Homily for Good Shepherd Sunday" by David R. Henson.
What is abundant life?
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