Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Why does he use the pictures of salt and light, and how can they help us understand his vision for bringing about God's Kingdom?

In the OT, the shepherd and the sheep is a metaphor for the rulers and people of Israel. Jesus appropriates the metaphor to himself and his disciples in his parable in John 10. He describes himself as the 'gate' of the sheepfold, indicating that he is the one who provides security for his people against the powers of sin and evil. Looking forward to the Cross, he claims to be the 'good shepherd', who 'lays down his life', so that his people 'may have life'.

Into an atmosphere of fear, and through locked doors, Jesus appeared on the first Easter evening to 10 disciples - and then a week later to eleven, including Thomas. On both occasions, and also into all our fears, Jesus comes with his ‘greeting with a meaning’ “Peace with you!”

Three hours at the cross - meditations on the seven last words