4th Sunday of Easter – Year A 30th April 2023
Lectionary Readings: Acts 2 v42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2 v19-25; John 10 v1-10.
Whose ‘voice’ do you trust?
In the passage from Acts we are told ‘that they spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other.’ (v42)
The newly baptised followers of Jesus, trusted Jesus’ friends, the ‘apostles’, to teach them how to live in a new way. A way based on love and forgiveness, justice and mercy, not power, status, and wealth.
These apostles were until a few weeks before, followers, sheep to Jesus’ shepherd. Now they have taken on the role of under shepherd and recognised that they had a responsibility to encourage others to join them and share in this new life, sharing a new covenant, based on the Kingdom of God values taught by Jesus.
In his letter, Peter acknowledges that these early followers of Christ are suffering from persecution by family, friends, employers and the wider community. Peter urges them to follow the example of Jesus in responding in non violent ways. By showing the same courage in adversity as Jesus did, thereby breaking the cycle of wrong and revenge that breeds hatred; by acting with kindness and thoughtfulness towards those who would be cruel to them.
Peter then goes on to quote from the ‘suffering servant’ passage from the prophet Isaiah; (v22-25)
(Is. 53 v3-9) urging us all to follow the voice and example of the true shepherd.
In the passage from John’s gospel we read: ‘The sheep know their shepherd’s voice, He calls each of them by name and leads them out’ (10 v3).
‘He leads them out’ to new pastures, lush green grass = a heavenly banquet = abundant life.
We live in a world of ‘voices’ competing for our attention. Do we have the courage to follow a trusted voice? Are we ready to humbly accept the love and security that Jesus offers and then to enjoy ‘an abundant life’?
Hymn writer, Stuart Townend wrote this version of Psalm 23. (Singing the Faith 481).
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want; he makes me lie in pastures green,
he leads me by the still, still waters, his goodness restores my soul.
And I will trust in you alone, and I will trust in you alone,
for your endless mercy follows me, your goodness will lead me home.
He guides my ways in righteousness, and he anoints my head with oil;
and my cup – it overflows with joy, I feast on his pure delights.
And though I walk the darkest path – I will not fear the evil one,
for you are with me, and your rod and staff are the comfort I need to know.
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.