April 21, 2026
The Good Shepherd - Part 2
John 10:11-13
04/21/2026
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays
down his life for the sheep.
12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who
does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and
leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches
them and scatters them.
13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares
nothing for the sheep. (ESV)
Our prayer this week asks God to grant us the joy of eternal
life with Him because the Good Shepherd laid down His life for
His sheep.
O God, through the humiliation of Your Son You raised
up the fallen world. Grant to Your faithful people,
rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual
gladness and eternal joys.
How does this prayer fit with the Gospel reading?
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his
life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a
shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf
coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf
snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he
is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave the world the Church to proclaim
His goodness and mercy through the Word of God and the
Sacraments. He called men to be under-shepherds, to serve in His
name to bring the peace of God to all people.
We pray for good under-shepherds, men who faithfully preach
the Word, call sinners to repent, and to bring the peace of the
forgiveness of sins to those who call upon the Name of the Lord.
Unfortunately, pastors are at the same time saints and sinners,
as are all of God's people. Some pastors fleece the sheep, going
through the motions but not truly serving God's flock. On
occasion, a pastor turns out to be a wolf, devouring the sheep
with false teachings.
Thus we pray for the Church, and for all who are called to
the Office of the Ministry, that the Word of God may be taught in
all truth and purity, and that the Sacraments are administered
according to Christ's institution.
May our Lord grant us faithful under-shepherds who care for
His flock. Amen.