Main point: Jesus is the protector of the sheep and giver of abundant life.

INTRODUCTION

P: Christ is risen! C: Christ is risen indeed, Alleluia!

Today is the Fourth Sunday of Eastertide and we continue our season of celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, but in a little bit of a different way. This is the day when we reflect on Jesus being the Good Shepherd. 

As we begin, notice verse 6 of our gospel reading. It says…Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

I think the people who were listening to Jesus give this teaching probably thought something like this.. “Jesus, I can tell you’re really excited about what you’re saying. And I’m sure what you’re saying is really important, but I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

How many times do you all look at me and say… Bryce, I can tell you’re really excited about what your’re saying…

Suffice it to say that there is a deeper connection between the first paragraph of our text, Jesus being the Good Shepherd, and our Easter season regarding the Harrowing of Hell that I will not be touching on this morning. I tried to include it at the Saturday service last night and received enough blank stares that I got the point. If that bit was lost on you, take heart. It was also lost on the original hearers.