Fourth Sunday Of Easter
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VII, Cycle A
Object:
Seasonal Theme
Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Theme For The Day
The Good Shepherd provides us a secure fold and a living shepherd for we too can have church life like the early "Easter people."
First Lesson
Acts 2:42-47
Life Among Believers
We have two descriptions of the early Christian life here. The New Revised Standard Version simply heads it: "Life among the Believers." And it seems similar to life in the community in Qumran as described in the Dead Sea Scrolls. There was ceremonial washing, common meals, and sharing of possessions. A summary of how Luke describes it would be: 1) They learned and fellowshiped with the disciples; 2) they communed and prayed; 3) they held all things in common; 4) they sold their possessions and gave to the poor; 5) they spent much time in the Temple praising God; 6) and they grew in numbers. It's a great formula for us today as we try to live out our discipleship as well.
New Testament Lesson
1 Peter 2:19-25
A Shepherd For Lost Sheep
These verses should be read with Isaiah 53's suffering servant in mind. There are contrasts which might be helpful also:
(v. 23)
he was abused -- he did not return the abuse
he suffered -- he did not threaten
(v. 24)
he bore our sin -- he did not sin
he was wounded -- we are healed
(v. 25)
he is the good shepherd -- we are lost sheep
Peter also presents Jesus not only as one who saved us by his suffering but as one who is a model for suffering (v. 21). He claims it is no big deal to suffer if you deserve it; but to suffer unjustly, that's another thing. Then comes verse 25 and its reference to Christ as shepherd and guardian and us as lost sheep.
The Gospel
John 10:1-10
The Good Shepherd
This is the only parable in the Gospel of John. It is followed by an allegorical interpretation and is based on Ezekiel 34, one of the lessons for the Jewish feast of Hanukkah more commonly called "The Feast of Lights." It is much more pointed than the kinder parable of the lost sheep in the other Gospels. However we interpret the thieves and bandits -- whether they be the priests of the day or all messianic pretenders or contemporaries of the Gospel writer's day like Roman persecutors and false teachers -- the main focus of the parable is the love of the true shepherd, Jesus, who is willing to die for the sheep (vv. 15b and 18).
Now some local color I have seen with my own eyes. It is a rare thing to witness now but back in the early 1960s I saw it many times in Palestine. The sheepfolds were circles of rocks with sticker bushes on top which made it difficult to jump out or climb in except for a hole in the wall. In the evening you could see the several shepherds riding their donkeys, playing a familiar tune on a slender pipe to the sheep and leading them to the fold. There they would stand by the gateway naming their sheep as they entered, making sure all were there. After all of the flocks were inside, a little fire was built around which the shepherds gathered. But one of them slept in the gateway like a door so no one could enter and no sheep could leave without his knowing it. As dawn came, each shepherd would ride off into the hills in a little different direction calling out for his sheep to follow. It sounded like "min ah." The sheep followed their shepherd for they knew which voice was his. With this background, the text makes sense: "I am the gate of the sheep" (v. 7) and "... the sheep hear his voice" (v. 3) and "he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" (v. 3b). Even knowing about the communal fold helps in explaining the Gospel's story of leaving the 99 to search for the one lost sheep (but that's another story).
The best known use of shepherd in the Old Testament is the Twenty-third Psalm. I like best, however, Isaiah 40:11. In the New Testament there are many references to the shepherd image: Matthew 18:12, 9:36 the people are like sheep without a shepherd. In Luke 12:32, his disciples are his little flock and in Hebrews 13:20, he is the great shepherd of the sheep. The leaders of the church are also pictured as shepherds and the people their sheep (Acts 20:28). The word "pastor" (Ephesians 4:11) is Latin for shepherd. The shepherd image is foreign to most of our listeners but worthwhile to explain in its original context so we can hear again of the watchfulness and tender love of our God. It also ought remind us clergy of our responsibilities as under-shepherds of the flock.
Preaching Possibilities
These Sundays of Easter have meaningful nick-names which we can use in our preaching.
Second of Easter -- Thomas Sunday
Third of Easter -- Emmaus Sunday
Fourth of Easter -- Shepherd Sunday
A. With all the religious art and imagery of Jesus, we probably ought preach on "the Good Shepherd" using the background written in the Gospel for the Day commentary section.
1. It's an easy narrative: explain about shepherds, sheep, and sheep folds of Jesus' day using verses to illustrate:
a. verse 2 shepherd or gate
b. verse 3 sheep hear his voice and he calls them by name;
c. verse 4 they follow his voice and follow him.
2. Then make the analogy Jesus did:
a. he is the gate and the only way into the kingdom (v. 7);
b. whoever follows Jesus will be saved (v. 9);
c. he wants for the sheep and us abundant life (v. 10b);
d. he has given his life for us.
3. You can frame it by returning to the scene of the shepherd at the gate checking to see all have followed him and returned to the security of the fold.
4. The focus ought be on the facts we have: a God who knows us, cares about our lives, and has a patient love for us all.
B. While this is the message your listeners will expect on "Shepherd Sunday," I believe I'll go with the first lesson in Acts and talk about the early church which seems so right for this Fourth Sunday of Easter. The Second Lesson from Peter and the Shepherd account in John will be used to support it. It will rush Pentecost a bit.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
1. Introduction: George A. Buttrick described the early church in terms of what he felt today's church was in danger of losing. I would like to look at this Acts' account, see what they had, and see if we still have it or, as Buttrick claims, are in danger of losing it.1
2. Now read again Acts 2:41-47.
3. Now, one by one, examine the following early church virtues.
a. An experience of the resurrected Christ which can be described to others (use the 1 Peter Second Reading).
b. A passion to tell others about it.
c. An unbreakable fellowship with others of the changed group.
d. A love of people not dependent on being loved or even liked, an unbreakable good will.
e. An inward security or peace not dependent on the number of things we get done in a day (we have a secure fold and Good Shepherd).
f. A deep sense of joy not dependent on being happy, for joy is not the opposite of unhappiness, but the opposite of unbelief.
4. After explaining each move and applying to your congregational life, you can return to the Acts account and read it again.
Prayer Of The Day
Show us the way, O God, to be your obedient sheep and to invite others into the secure fold as well. Help us to rediscover the thrill of coming together as God's people, called the church. We thank you for your loving patience and your vibrant, alive body called the Church. In the resurrected Christ's name. Amen.
Possible Stories
We had to have the tires on our Ford Explorer rotated after 20,999 miles. We had to reverse and turn over our mattress as well. Are there spiritual rotations we need to do, like new prayer life, new ways of worship, new hymns, new preaching which will enliven our spiritual lives like fluffing up an old pillow?
I recently saw on Highway 80 a lead car in front of a very big earth-moving machine being transported on a "lowboy" truck. The lead car had an antenna to check the height of the overpasses and was hooked up by radio to the driver of the lowboy. He would advise the truck driver when to get to the center of the highway so there would be enough clearance for his tall load. We need to center on any or all of the six things we are in danger of losing.
Mercedes Benz has an ad on television in which a big, new, black Mercedes crashes into a wall for research on safety. When asked why they share the scientific information with other auto manufacturers worldwide, the researcher responds, "Because some things in life are too good not to share." So, too, the gospel -- just "too good not to share."
___________
1. For a complete development of the above sermon moves and illustrations for each, see Called To Witness, by Jerry Schmalenberger, CSS Publishing, pp. 16-23.
Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Theme For The Day
The Good Shepherd provides us a secure fold and a living shepherd for we too can have church life like the early "Easter people."
First Lesson
Acts 2:42-47
Life Among Believers
We have two descriptions of the early Christian life here. The New Revised Standard Version simply heads it: "Life among the Believers." And it seems similar to life in the community in Qumran as described in the Dead Sea Scrolls. There was ceremonial washing, common meals, and sharing of possessions. A summary of how Luke describes it would be: 1) They learned and fellowshiped with the disciples; 2) they communed and prayed; 3) they held all things in common; 4) they sold their possessions and gave to the poor; 5) they spent much time in the Temple praising God; 6) and they grew in numbers. It's a great formula for us today as we try to live out our discipleship as well.
New Testament Lesson
1 Peter 2:19-25
A Shepherd For Lost Sheep
These verses should be read with Isaiah 53's suffering servant in mind. There are contrasts which might be helpful also:
(v. 23)
he was abused -- he did not return the abuse
he suffered -- he did not threaten
(v. 24)
he bore our sin -- he did not sin
he was wounded -- we are healed
(v. 25)
he is the good shepherd -- we are lost sheep
Peter also presents Jesus not only as one who saved us by his suffering but as one who is a model for suffering (v. 21). He claims it is no big deal to suffer if you deserve it; but to suffer unjustly, that's another thing. Then comes verse 25 and its reference to Christ as shepherd and guardian and us as lost sheep.
The Gospel
John 10:1-10
The Good Shepherd
This is the only parable in the Gospel of John. It is followed by an allegorical interpretation and is based on Ezekiel 34, one of the lessons for the Jewish feast of Hanukkah more commonly called "The Feast of Lights." It is much more pointed than the kinder parable of the lost sheep in the other Gospels. However we interpret the thieves and bandits -- whether they be the priests of the day or all messianic pretenders or contemporaries of the Gospel writer's day like Roman persecutors and false teachers -- the main focus of the parable is the love of the true shepherd, Jesus, who is willing to die for the sheep (vv. 15b and 18).
Now some local color I have seen with my own eyes. It is a rare thing to witness now but back in the early 1960s I saw it many times in Palestine. The sheepfolds were circles of rocks with sticker bushes on top which made it difficult to jump out or climb in except for a hole in the wall. In the evening you could see the several shepherds riding their donkeys, playing a familiar tune on a slender pipe to the sheep and leading them to the fold. There they would stand by the gateway naming their sheep as they entered, making sure all were there. After all of the flocks were inside, a little fire was built around which the shepherds gathered. But one of them slept in the gateway like a door so no one could enter and no sheep could leave without his knowing it. As dawn came, each shepherd would ride off into the hills in a little different direction calling out for his sheep to follow. It sounded like "min ah." The sheep followed their shepherd for they knew which voice was his. With this background, the text makes sense: "I am the gate of the sheep" (v. 7) and "... the sheep hear his voice" (v. 3) and "he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" (v. 3b). Even knowing about the communal fold helps in explaining the Gospel's story of leaving the 99 to search for the one lost sheep (but that's another story).
The best known use of shepherd in the Old Testament is the Twenty-third Psalm. I like best, however, Isaiah 40:11. In the New Testament there are many references to the shepherd image: Matthew 18:12, 9:36 the people are like sheep without a shepherd. In Luke 12:32, his disciples are his little flock and in Hebrews 13:20, he is the great shepherd of the sheep. The leaders of the church are also pictured as shepherds and the people their sheep (Acts 20:28). The word "pastor" (Ephesians 4:11) is Latin for shepherd. The shepherd image is foreign to most of our listeners but worthwhile to explain in its original context so we can hear again of the watchfulness and tender love of our God. It also ought remind us clergy of our responsibilities as under-shepherds of the flock.
Preaching Possibilities
These Sundays of Easter have meaningful nick-names which we can use in our preaching.
Second of Easter -- Thomas Sunday
Third of Easter -- Emmaus Sunday
Fourth of Easter -- Shepherd Sunday
A. With all the religious art and imagery of Jesus, we probably ought preach on "the Good Shepherd" using the background written in the Gospel for the Day commentary section.
1. It's an easy narrative: explain about shepherds, sheep, and sheep folds of Jesus' day using verses to illustrate:
a. verse 2 shepherd or gate
b. verse 3 sheep hear his voice and he calls them by name;
c. verse 4 they follow his voice and follow him.
2. Then make the analogy Jesus did:
a. he is the gate and the only way into the kingdom (v. 7);
b. whoever follows Jesus will be saved (v. 9);
c. he wants for the sheep and us abundant life (v. 10b);
d. he has given his life for us.
3. You can frame it by returning to the scene of the shepherd at the gate checking to see all have followed him and returned to the security of the fold.
4. The focus ought be on the facts we have: a God who knows us, cares about our lives, and has a patient love for us all.
B. While this is the message your listeners will expect on "Shepherd Sunday," I believe I'll go with the first lesson in Acts and talk about the early church which seems so right for this Fourth Sunday of Easter. The Second Lesson from Peter and the Shepherd account in John will be used to support it. It will rush Pentecost a bit.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves
1. Introduction: George A. Buttrick described the early church in terms of what he felt today's church was in danger of losing. I would like to look at this Acts' account, see what they had, and see if we still have it or, as Buttrick claims, are in danger of losing it.1
2. Now read again Acts 2:41-47.
3. Now, one by one, examine the following early church virtues.
a. An experience of the resurrected Christ which can be described to others (use the 1 Peter Second Reading).
b. A passion to tell others about it.
c. An unbreakable fellowship with others of the changed group.
d. A love of people not dependent on being loved or even liked, an unbreakable good will.
e. An inward security or peace not dependent on the number of things we get done in a day (we have a secure fold and Good Shepherd).
f. A deep sense of joy not dependent on being happy, for joy is not the opposite of unhappiness, but the opposite of unbelief.
4. After explaining each move and applying to your congregational life, you can return to the Acts account and read it again.
Prayer Of The Day
Show us the way, O God, to be your obedient sheep and to invite others into the secure fold as well. Help us to rediscover the thrill of coming together as God's people, called the church. We thank you for your loving patience and your vibrant, alive body called the Church. In the resurrected Christ's name. Amen.
Possible Stories
We had to have the tires on our Ford Explorer rotated after 20,999 miles. We had to reverse and turn over our mattress as well. Are there spiritual rotations we need to do, like new prayer life, new ways of worship, new hymns, new preaching which will enliven our spiritual lives like fluffing up an old pillow?
I recently saw on Highway 80 a lead car in front of a very big earth-moving machine being transported on a "lowboy" truck. The lead car had an antenna to check the height of the overpasses and was hooked up by radio to the driver of the lowboy. He would advise the truck driver when to get to the center of the highway so there would be enough clearance for his tall load. We need to center on any or all of the six things we are in danger of losing.
Mercedes Benz has an ad on television in which a big, new, black Mercedes crashes into a wall for research on safety. When asked why they share the scientific information with other auto manufacturers worldwide, the researcher responds, "Because some things in life are too good not to share." So, too, the gospel -- just "too good not to share."
___________
1. For a complete development of the above sermon moves and illustrations for each, see Called To Witness, by Jerry Schmalenberger, CSS Publishing, pp. 16-23.
