The image of Jesus as the good shepherd (John 10), really has very little to do with sheep and shepherds. The image of the shepherd was actually applied to the political and religious leadership of ancient Israel, alluding to the reign of King David the idealized king, who was indeed a shepherd as a boy. It was King David who became the model for the hope of the Messiah who would restore the nation of Israel delivering it from its political enslavement to the Roman Empire. By stating, “I am the Good Shepherd,” Jesus was actually making a political claim that he was Messiah, and that his rule would be one of “laying down his life” for the people, rather than one of military conquest and dominance.

What might all this mean for us? As the “sheep of Jesus’ fold, we are called to follow his example of self-sacrificial love, loving not simply in “word and speech, but in truth and action.” The author of I John puts it this way, “How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?” (I John 3:17)

St. Paul’s News and Notes: Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Mike Robinson will be leading, The Gifts of God for the People of God: Celebrating God’s Abundance; Abiding in Hope, at St. Paul’s on Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. - noon with lunch to follow. St. Paul’s is planning their 110th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, May 6; a continental breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. followed by a special edition Anniversary Worship service at 10:30 a.m. and a catered meal following worship; please bring pictures or other historical items along with a brief written description for a display table; also assorted deserts for a desert buffet to be served along with the catered meal.