February 14th Virtual Worship

February 14, 2021 Pastor Marc Hayden

Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez

Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden

Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger

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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:

Journeying with John; The Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”

[Reading above - John 10: 11-18]

John continues to build a case for the wisdom of following Jesus by deepening the understanding of Jesus’ identity. The identification of Jesus as the Good Shepherd has appeal that transcends time and place. Characteristics of the Good Shepherd include compassion, empathy, selflessness, and courageous action to ensure the safety and nurture of the flock. The Good Shepherd invites us into a community of broad welcome and deep peace despite the uncertainty and dangers of the world. Jesus’ demonstration of the Good Shepherd’s characteristics on the cross and through the empty tomb earn Jesus the trust and confidence of any who hear the call to follow.

Questions for Reflection:

How have you experienced in Christ the characteristics of the Good Shepherd? What does it mean to know the care of One who makes your well-being a priority?
The Good Shepherd comes to know and be known by the sheep by developing a caring relationship over time and with experience. How does Christ invest in a relationship with you? What are the practices of faithful relationship?
How does the Good Shepherd’s promise “to bring the other sheep that do not belong to this fold” fulfill the intention of “one flock and one shepherd”?
If we understand the church as the body of Christ in the world, then how can the church function like the good shepherd?