Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 22, 2024

Date:   Monday of the 4th Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  John 10:1-10

Jesus said:

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers." Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them.

So, Jesus said again, "Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today is from Jesus’ “Good Shepherd Discourse” as recounted in the Gospel of John; it is also the text that precedes the gospel we read yesterday. This is the actual beginning of Jesus’ discourse. And at the actual beginning, Jesus distinguishes himself from others who purport to be spiritual leaders but do not have the well-being and salvation of the “sheep” as essential.

Jesus begins by telling how the true shepherd’s voice is recognized. The sheep know His voice as the shepherd’s and will follow Him. He goes on to say that He is the gate or door. He tells us that it is only through Him that we will be saved because He came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I recognize Jesus’ voice? Do I listen for Him? Do I recognize Jesus as the “Door” or “Gate” to eternal life and salvation?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to dwell among us and to save us from our sins though He himself is sinless. Send your Spirit to us as we seek to follow in His footsteps as He leads us to life. Grant that we may always and recognize His voice as He calls to us and cares for us, the sheep of His flock. Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, Almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, forever and ever. Amen.