Easter 4A

4th Sunday of Easter, Year A

In the name of the Father, and of the +Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Brothers and sisters in Christ: grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

If someone calls you a “sheep” in modern conversation, it’s quite an insult. One of the more stinging insults you might hear today is when a group of people are called “sheeple”. The insinuation is that the collective group is docile, foolish, or easily led… presumably just like a flock of sheep. So when I hear the Bible call Christians “sheep”… I can’t help but cringe a little bit.

Is the description appropriate? I have no personal experience with sheep, so I had to do a little homework. I found a Christian writer who has tackled the topic, and I want to share some of this with you - 5 ways we [Christians] are sheepish people, according to Julie Plagens:

1. Sheep follow others blindly

Many people say sheep are stupid. Perhaps they are just “challenged.” I’ll be nice.

For example, [there is the true story of] a farmer who stretched a rope across the door of a barn and called the sheep out. He let a few sheep jump over the rope as they exited the barn door. He then cut the rope. The remaining sheep continued to jump over the “invisible rope,” not thinking twice.

Here’s another true story: About 1,500 sheep were left unattended for a while. They got scared and started running until they ran off a cliff. The first 400 died while the other 1100 were saved. It turns out the first 400 broke the fall for the remaining 1100.

It’s funny to listen to stories about sheep—until we realize Jesus was talking about us. We are compared to sheep because we will [often] follow anyone without thinking, we have no sense of direction, and we cannot defend ourselves in times of trouble.

2. Sheep are emotional and recognize the shepherd’s voice

Sheep have a remarkable instinct for knowing the voice of their shepherd as they are emotional creatures. Amazingly, they will fear a stranger’s voice and flee.

Since they are emotional, they also have the ability to build friendships with other sheep. In fact, they can get anxious, distressed, or feel sad when their sheep friends are gone (dead). Just like sheep, we get anxious, distressed, and feel sadness. It is important we listen for the shepherd’s voice to keep us calm in times of trouble.

Otherwise, we could be led off by a stranger’s voice and encounter real harm.

3. Sheep are not meant to carry burdens

You will never see sheep carrying a pack on their back. Other animals are good for carrying things, but not sheep. They were not meant to carry a heavy load. In fact, they would be crushed under such a weighty burden. We were not meant to carry our burdens either.

In fact, we are to give Jesus our heavy load so he can carry it for us.

4. Sheep will settle for less

When sheep are thirsty, they will stop at a dirty puddle right in front of them instead of going for the clean, still waters ten feet ahead. Sadly, they are content with filth, so long as it satisfies at [that] moment. Furthermore, they will stink and never even know it. Truthfully, they lack discernment and judgment and, frankly, don’t know what is good for them.

How many of us have settled for less and not realized there was clean water ten feet ahead? We are content with filth and don’t know we stink. This is why we need a shepherd. He leads us to better things and cleans us up when no one else will touch us.

5. Sheep are valuable

Sheep were treated as prized possessions in Jesus’ day. You were counted as wealthy if you owned large flocks because they provided meat, milk, and wool. In addition, they produced offspring. Shepherds made many sacrifices to make sure their flocks were protected. They knew it was their livelihood at stake.

How much more precious are we than smelly sheep? God compares us to sheep in the Bible because he views us as priceless. So valuable that he was willing to give his life for us.

Why we need a shepherd

Just like sheep:

we have no direction without Jesus, the Good Shepherd

we lack protection on every side

we were never meant to carry a heavy load

we need someone to show us a better way, so we don’t settle for less

even though sheep are dirty, smelly, and lack sense, God made them valuable. In fact, they are a symbol of great blessing and prosperity.

[https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/why-jesus-compares-us-to-sheep-its-kinda-funny/]

Now, I don’t know about you, but after hearing that, I have to admit that we have a lot in common with sheep. More than I’m comfortable with, to be honest. But here’s the good news: we have a really Good Shepherd. For those who think they don’t need Jesus… look at what’s happened to the parts of our society that reject Christian teaching and values. Absolutely sheep-like behavior; society continues to settle for less than we could have if we followed the Good Shepherd.

Here’s how Ms. Plagens concludes her article, and I agree with her completely: “Oh, that we would take a lesson from sheep and run to the Good Shepherd who will lead us to the spring of living waters and take care of us forever. In addition, may we truly know our worth as one who is priceless.”

Amen sister. Our Good Shepherd calls us to Himself, in His Word and in the Sacraments. He gives us our worth in our Baptism, and He continues to feed and sustain us through both Word and the Eucharist.

His Word teaches us and reminds us of God’s Will for us. His Word connects us to the story of ALL of God’s people, and the history of God’s grace, mercy, and love. His Word shows us how God’s plan for us has always been to save us and for us “have life, and have it abundantly.”

When we come to the Lord’s Supper, we receive Christ’s body and blood. His body broken for us - beaten, bloodied, and crucified for us. His blood shed for us. This meal is a reminder that OUR Good Shepherd did lay down His life for us - His sheep. There is an enemy who tries to steal from the flock, or kill and destroy parts of the flock. This enemy hates our Shepherd and us, and he will try whatever he can to hurt our relationship with the Good Shepherd, or to remove some of us from the flock. Our Shepherd suffered to prevent that from happening. He died on the cross to ensure we could remain in His flock forever.

Let us all remember how much our Good Shepherd thinks of us, how much He values us. Let us listen for His voice, and run to Him, and remain close to Him at all times. Let’s follow Him to enjoy the good He wants for us.

In the name of the Father, and of the +Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.