The Good Shepherd – Part 1

April 20, 2026

Broadcast

                      The Good Shepherd - Part 1
                             John 10:11-13
                              04/20/2026


        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)

        Jesus told His disciples:
        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.


        On this, the Third Week of Easter, our focus shifts to the
   blessings of God given to us through Jesus.  His greatest gift,
   given for the sake of His death and resurrection, is the
   forgiveness of our sins.  We, like sheep, have gone astray, yet
   because of God's love, He has sought us and preserves us.

        Our prayer this week reflects the love of God for His
   people.
        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; through Jesus Christ, our
        Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy
        Spirit, one God, now and forever.


        Truly, this prayer reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice, and the
   gift of eternal life which He gives to those who trust in Him.

        May our Lord grant us faith to receive the joys of heaven
   for the sake of Jesus Christ.  Amen.