Subjected for the Good of Others, 1 Peter 2:13-25

In 1 Peter 2:13-25, St. Peter reminds us that we are to be subject to various kinds of authorities, even if it means suffering because we are to follow in the footsteps of Christ who was subject to authority and thus suffered. However, there was and is a greater authority above all others in our lives and it is God the Father, to whom Jesus was ultimately subject to, thus his willingness to endure suffering. We too are ultimately under God the Father’s authority and we know that he will judge all in righteousness and thus we can trust him in the midst of suffering from other authorities over us.

Image: St. Peter preaching in the presence of St. Mark, Fra Angelico, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Good Shepherd that is Truly Good, John 10:11-18, Psalm 23

Jesus calls himself the good shepherd. What kind of claim is this? How does he reflect an earthly shepherd and how does he surpass that to be something greater by the same name?

Image: The Parable of the Good Shepherd, Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Public Domain. Image location: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Parable_of_the_Good_Shepherd_MET_DP818250.jpg

The Good Shepherd of the Word and the Sacraments, John 10:1-10, Psalm 23

Jesus speaks of the shepherd as one who can call out to his sheep and they will come to him. He also says that he is the door for both the shepherd and the sheep. How does Jesus call out to us today? How does he water and feed us? Are there under-shepherds who serve under this one good Shepherd? Father Jeremiah considers the care of the Good Shepherd for us in today’s sermon.

Image: Shepherd and Sheep, Anton Mauve, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The One Shepherd, Messiah, and God, John 10:22-30

Jesus being the Good Shepherd means more than just herding us sheep from place to place. It means that he is the true Messiah and those with ears to hear will recognize his voice calling to them.

Image: Shepherds and Sheep, David Teniers the Younger, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

To Save the Sheep, John 10.11-16

Jesus as our good shepherd is one who will lay down his life for the sheep. He is completely different from the hired hands who flee when the wolf comes. He defends his sheep and cares for them because they are his own. Father Jeremiah considers this truth in his sermon today.

Image: Shepherd with His Flock, by Francesco Londonio, CC0 1.0. Image located: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Francesco_Londonio%2C_Shepherd_with_his_Flock%2C_NGA_124653.jpg

Gifts of the Shepherd, Psalm 23, John 10.1-10

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The Good Shepherd gives to us everything that we need. He gifts us with the reality of salvation and everything that connects to that very salvation. He comes to us through his grace and creates rest for us that we might feed and be renewed by him. Hear more from Father Jeremiah about this psalm.

Image: Shepherd with Sheep, Thomas Sidney Cooper, Used under license CC0 1.0. Image Location:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2017-02_Thomas_Sidney_Cooper_-_Shepherd_with_sheep.jpg

Comfort of the Good Shepherd, John 10.22-30

What is the implication of Jesus being the Good Shepherd? How important is it that his sheep respond to his voice? What assurance is there that no one can snatch us from Jesus’ or the Father’s hands? Listen now to find out about Jesus being the Good Shepherd.

Image: Icon of the Good Shepherd, AnonymousUnknown author [Public domain]. Location: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Good_shepherd_icon.jpg

The Good Shepherd that We Need, John 10.11-18

There have been many wicked shepherds that have led God's people astray. Yet, so often God's people have embraced them more quickly than God himself. What are we to make of this? What does God do in response to the wicked shepherds and his people's need? Listen to find out more.

Image: By Anonymous (http://polymer.bu.edu/~jdm/good_shepherd.html) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Good_shepherd_icon.jpg)