God's promise is true
Commentary
The fourth Sunday of Easter grounds the new life in Christ in the ancient promise of God. God's saving acts find their fulfillment in the resurrection of Jesus.
The gospel illumines the truth that God's promise is sure. One of the most familiar symbols in Christian art, music and literature has been the image of the Good Shepherd associated with this particular Sunday of the Easter season. The tenth chapter of the Gospel of John highlights the shepherd image. Jesus in his teaching of his disciples shortly before his death describes himself as a shepherd who loves, cares for and protects his flock. In examining the gospel for today the preacher has the opportunity to underscore the assurance Christians have in their relationship with the risen Christ who also is the Good Shepherd.
The first lesson from the Acts of the Apostles further attests that God's promise is sure. The resurrection stands at the center of Paul's preaching. In Acts, Chapter 13, we have a rare occurrence where a substantial body of Paul's preaching is preserved in tact. On Paul's first missionary journey he comes to Antioch of Pisidia and goes to the synagogue on the sabbath. Even though Paul is aware that many of his own people who were heirs to the covenant promises of Israel did not receive Jesus but rather turned him over to Pilate for execution; nevertheless, he declares that God's promise was consummated in Jesus' resurrection from the dead just as prophesied centuries before.
The second lesson from the Revelation of John still further accents that God's promise is sure. Through the eyes of the seer we are given a graphic picture of the last day. The faithful of every nation are gathered together in the presence of God singing a chorus of victorious praise. These martyrs have come through the tribulation, cleansed by the sacrifice of Christ, completely forgiven of their sins. They have suffered for their faith, but now they rest in safety. Even death has been overcome. In the end they know the joy and satisfaction of the redeemed.
What fortifying words these were to suffering Christians in John's day. We might add these same words have had a similar impact upon Christians in the midst of struggle and persecution in subsequent generations, including our own.
OUTLINE I
Preaching the good news
Acts 13:15-16, 26-33
A. vv. 15-16. Opportunity. The synagogue played an important role in Paul's missionary strategy. As a rabbi he had the freedom of the synagogue, that is, he was frequently called upon to interpret the scriptures when he attended the synagogue services. In this case, after the readings from the Law and the prophets Paul responded to the invitation to make comments. Lifting up his hands to get attention, or as some scholars suggest, as a sign of his authority, he proceeds to speak. Paul's appeal is universal. He addresses not only the sons of Abraham but also the "God-fearers" present. The latter were gentiles who came to the synagogue because of the high ethical standards of the Jews.
B. vv. 26-29. Rejection. Paul does not shrink from pointing out that many of the rulers, especially in Jerusalem, did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. In fact, they turned him over to Pilate to be crucified. But such action was foretold in the Scriptures, even his burial in a tomb.
C. vv. 30-33. Fulfillment. Despite the rejection God raised Jesus from the dead. Paul insists that he is not telling an idle tale; on the contrary, witnesses have seen the risen Christ. Hence, Paul preaches the good news of the culmination of the messianic Psalm (Psalm 2) in Jesus' resurrection.
OUTLINE II
When the saints go marching in
Revelation 7:9-17
A. vv. 9-12. Faithfulness. In John's apocalyptic vision of the last day he sees a great throng of faithful people from all over the world clothed in white robes. They shout praises to God and to the Lamb for their salvation. Angels, elders and a multitude join them in everlasting praise to God.
B. vv. 13-14. Forgiveness. When the question is raised: "Who are these people?" the answer given is that they are the ones who have come through great tribulation. Their robes are white because they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. All their sins have been forgiven. John's symbolism suggests the supreme sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross when he poured out his life for all.
C. vv. 15-17. Fulfillment. Finally, in John's dramatic vision he perceives the ultimate satisfaction of those people who serve God night and day in his temple. The faithful, according to the visionary, will have no more hunger or thirst. They will not need to fear the scorching
heat. Their Lord is both the sacrificial Lamb and the protective Shepherd who will guide them to "living waters" where they will know sorrow no more.
OUTLINE III
If you are the Christ ...
John 10:22-30
A. vv. 22-23. The setting. First of all, Jesus' words are placed in historical context. The occasion is the feast of dedication. Late in December devout Jews come to Jerusalem in the joyful celebration commemorating the purification of the temple by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 B.C. Just a few years before that date the notorious Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes had desecrated the temple. This annual observance also is called Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights.
B. v. 24. The question. Jesus' critics immediately raise a question. They want to know point-blank: "If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Undoubtedly, some in the crowd anticipate Jesus saying something that will incriminate him and lead to his extermination as an imposter. Others, however, may sincerely want to know who he is.
C. vv. 25-30. The answer. Jesus retorts by saying that those who asked the question should know the answer. He refers them to the works that he has already done. Expanding the image of the Good Shepherd which he had introduced earlier he says that he gives eternal life to his sheep and no one can take them away from him.
This claim is possible because "I and the Father are one."
Richard Hasler is pastor of Pioneer Presbyterian Church, Belpre, Ohio. He is also the writer for the June 14 Charting The Course column.
The gospel illumines the truth that God's promise is sure. One of the most familiar symbols in Christian art, music and literature has been the image of the Good Shepherd associated with this particular Sunday of the Easter season. The tenth chapter of the Gospel of John highlights the shepherd image. Jesus in his teaching of his disciples shortly before his death describes himself as a shepherd who loves, cares for and protects his flock. In examining the gospel for today the preacher has the opportunity to underscore the assurance Christians have in their relationship with the risen Christ who also is the Good Shepherd.
The first lesson from the Acts of the Apostles further attests that God's promise is sure. The resurrection stands at the center of Paul's preaching. In Acts, Chapter 13, we have a rare occurrence where a substantial body of Paul's preaching is preserved in tact. On Paul's first missionary journey he comes to Antioch of Pisidia and goes to the synagogue on the sabbath. Even though Paul is aware that many of his own people who were heirs to the covenant promises of Israel did not receive Jesus but rather turned him over to Pilate for execution; nevertheless, he declares that God's promise was consummated in Jesus' resurrection from the dead just as prophesied centuries before.
The second lesson from the Revelation of John still further accents that God's promise is sure. Through the eyes of the seer we are given a graphic picture of the last day. The faithful of every nation are gathered together in the presence of God singing a chorus of victorious praise. These martyrs have come through the tribulation, cleansed by the sacrifice of Christ, completely forgiven of their sins. They have suffered for their faith, but now they rest in safety. Even death has been overcome. In the end they know the joy and satisfaction of the redeemed.
What fortifying words these were to suffering Christians in John's day. We might add these same words have had a similar impact upon Christians in the midst of struggle and persecution in subsequent generations, including our own.
OUTLINE I
Preaching the good news
Acts 13:15-16, 26-33
A. vv. 15-16. Opportunity. The synagogue played an important role in Paul's missionary strategy. As a rabbi he had the freedom of the synagogue, that is, he was frequently called upon to interpret the scriptures when he attended the synagogue services. In this case, after the readings from the Law and the prophets Paul responded to the invitation to make comments. Lifting up his hands to get attention, or as some scholars suggest, as a sign of his authority, he proceeds to speak. Paul's appeal is universal. He addresses not only the sons of Abraham but also the "God-fearers" present. The latter were gentiles who came to the synagogue because of the high ethical standards of the Jews.
B. vv. 26-29. Rejection. Paul does not shrink from pointing out that many of the rulers, especially in Jerusalem, did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. In fact, they turned him over to Pilate to be crucified. But such action was foretold in the Scriptures, even his burial in a tomb.
C. vv. 30-33. Fulfillment. Despite the rejection God raised Jesus from the dead. Paul insists that he is not telling an idle tale; on the contrary, witnesses have seen the risen Christ. Hence, Paul preaches the good news of the culmination of the messianic Psalm (Psalm 2) in Jesus' resurrection.
OUTLINE II
When the saints go marching in
Revelation 7:9-17
A. vv. 9-12. Faithfulness. In John's apocalyptic vision of the last day he sees a great throng of faithful people from all over the world clothed in white robes. They shout praises to God and to the Lamb for their salvation. Angels, elders and a multitude join them in everlasting praise to God.
B. vv. 13-14. Forgiveness. When the question is raised: "Who are these people?" the answer given is that they are the ones who have come through great tribulation. Their robes are white because they have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. All their sins have been forgiven. John's symbolism suggests the supreme sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross when he poured out his life for all.
C. vv. 15-17. Fulfillment. Finally, in John's dramatic vision he perceives the ultimate satisfaction of those people who serve God night and day in his temple. The faithful, according to the visionary, will have no more hunger or thirst. They will not need to fear the scorching
heat. Their Lord is both the sacrificial Lamb and the protective Shepherd who will guide them to "living waters" where they will know sorrow no more.
OUTLINE III
If you are the Christ ...
John 10:22-30
A. vv. 22-23. The setting. First of all, Jesus' words are placed in historical context. The occasion is the feast of dedication. Late in December devout Jews come to Jerusalem in the joyful celebration commemorating the purification of the temple by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 B.C. Just a few years before that date the notorious Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes had desecrated the temple. This annual observance also is called Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights.
B. v. 24. The question. Jesus' critics immediately raise a question. They want to know point-blank: "If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Undoubtedly, some in the crowd anticipate Jesus saying something that will incriminate him and lead to his extermination as an imposter. Others, however, may sincerely want to know who he is.
C. vv. 25-30. The answer. Jesus retorts by saying that those who asked the question should know the answer. He refers them to the works that he has already done. Expanding the image of the Good Shepherd which he had introduced earlier he says that he gives eternal life to his sheep and no one can take them away from him.
This claim is possible because "I and the Father are one."
Richard Hasler is pastor of Pioneer Presbyterian Church, Belpre, Ohio. He is also the writer for the June 14 Charting The Course column.
