“I am the way, the truth, and the life…” Jesus makes clear who he is in these words. No path to eternal life apart from him. After betrayal and denial Jesus offers a way forward. He says in John 14, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Jesus takes our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances and points us to himself. When we hear the words of Jesus and respond everything changes for us. We move from being troubled to being tasked for the mission. As we believe in Jesus the road before us becomes clear, accessible, and realistic. Jesus moves us from pursuing a destination to participating in the work of the kingdom.

The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is one of the grandest ironies in all of history. Within a week he’ll be hailed as a king and crucified as a criminal. Jesus is often welcomed, at times worshipped, and regularly rejected. From covering the road with palm branches to shouting Hosanna we learn that acknowledging Jesus is much different than surrendering to him. The relationship between worship, following, and serving are linked inseparably. While many welcome the triumphal entry few follow him to the cross.

The resurrection of a man has caused great unrest among the religious community. How could something like this take place? By what authority and what power? What would this mean for the present religious’ system in place? Tinkering with power structures is never safe and John shows us in this passage that religious norms and socially acceptable charity are within the sites of Jesus’ greatest aim. This passage draws our attention to Jesus’ work, our response, and his mission.

Of all the fears that grip the hearts of modern men and women, no fear is greater than the fear of death. When we face the prospect of our own death, we don’t know what to say or what to do. People say that nothing is certain but death and taxes. That is not quite correct. A person may find a way to avoid paying tax. He may simply not file a return

A good shepherd is altogether different. A good shepherd is mature and placing his sheep’s welfare above his own. A good shepherd is careful and regularly considers how to best care for his flock. A good shepherd is courageous and willingly faces danger and harm for his sheep. A good shepherd is humble and selflessly focuses on those around him. A good shepherd is generous and willing to give sacrificially for those in his care. A good shepherd is selfless and lays down his life for his sheep.