Greetings in Christ,

This week is the 4th week of our sermon series on the I AM statements of Jesus in the Gospel according to John. This week’s theme text (John 10:11-18) comes directly after last week’s text on Jesus being the Door in John 10. This week we focus on Jesus’ statement that he is the Good Shepherd. What does that mean and why should we care? We hear that idea all the time, but what does it mean and why should it give us hope? We’re going to meditate on that during our time together this weekend.

(We didn’t plan it this way, but you’ll notice that the lectionary readings actually stick with the theme of our sermon series this week. How neat!)

As you prepare for the Divine Service this weekend, you can take a look at the Service Folder to find the readings, prayers, and other parts of the service that will help to guide your reflection and prayer.

You can dig deeper into the parts of this weekend’s service with this segment from Issues, Etc.

Here’s the Lectionary Summary for the upcoming weekend that ties the themes of the weekend together:

The Lord Jesus Shepherds His Church on Earth by the Ministry of the Gospel

The Lord rebukes and removes “the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep” (Jer. 23:1). He gathers the flock, brings them back to the fold, and sets “shepherds over them who will care for them” (Jer. 23:3–4). He raises up the Son of David, the great Good Shepherd, to “reign as king and deal wisely” (Jer. 23:5). He is “our righteousness,” in whom we “dwell securely” (Jer. 23:6). He has compassion on all of us, who were “like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). Not only does He teach us many things, but taking the bread, He blesses and breaks and gives it to the disciples “to set before the people” (Mark 6:41). He abundantly provides for His Church on earth, so that everyone is fed and fully satisfied in body and soul. He preaches peace “to you who were far off,” and “by the blood of Christ,” He brings you near (Eph. 2:13, 17). Though you were “separated from Christ” by your sin, “having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12), now “you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19).

If you weren’t able to join us for service last week, you can catch up now.

I look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Blessings on your day!

In Christ,
Pastor Demski

Published by pastordemski