Fourth Sunday of Easter (May 11, 2025)

"Listening and Trusting Because He Lives"

Text: John 10:22–30 Occasion: Good Shepherd Sunday with Confirmation

Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and from our risen Lord and Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Amen.

I. The World is Full of Voices

"The world is full of voices.

Every day—on our phones, in the news, in the classroom, even in our own minds— someone is speaking.

Telling us who we are. Telling us what to believe, what to buy, what to do, who to follow.

And here’s the truth: Most of those voices cannot be trusted.

They say they care. They promise safety, happiness, identity.

But when things get hard? When it’s time to put those words into action? They disappear.

Even within our own hearts, we hear voices: “You’ve failed.” “You’re not enough.” “God doesn’t really love you.”

Jesus knows this world is noisy. He knows how easily we’re led astray.

So, he offers us a different voice, a voice we can truly trust.

In this cacophony of doubt and uncertainty, how do we find a voice that is steadfast and true?

Where do we turn when the other voices fail us? It’s in this search for truth and guidance that Jesus speaks, cutting through the noise with clarity and love:

'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.' (John 10:27)

There are many voices. But only one voice can be trusted—His. Only one laid down His life for you. Only one rose again to give you eternal life. Only one voice speaks life, and follows it up with action. Only one voice belongs to the Good Shepherd.

II. Every Shepherd Has a Voice. But Only One Proved His Words with Action.

It’s a beautiful image—Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

But it’s more than poetic language. It’s personal. It’s proven.

Yes, every shepherd has a voice. Every leader calls people to follow.

But what makes Jesus different? What makes Him the Good Shepherd?

The Jews in John 10 came to Him and said,

“If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” (v. 24)

They wanted words. But Jesus said—“You’ve already seen the answer.”

“The works I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me.” (v. 25)

Jesus doesn’t just talk about love. He proves it.

He didn’t just say He came to save sinners—He actually did it. He didn’t just say He had power over death—He gave up His life, and took it back again. He doesn’t just talk about eternal life—He gives it.

“No one takes [my life] from me... I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.” (John 10:18)

Because He lives, His voice is trustworthy. His resurrection backs every word He ever spoke.

III. Because He Lives, His Voice Gives Us Confidence

Listen again to what Jesus says:

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” (v. 28)

That’s not a hope. That’s not a bumper sticker. That’s a guarantee.

From the living, risen Shepherd.

If Jesus had stayed dead, His words would be no better than anyone else’s. But because He lives, we know:

When He says, “Your sins are forgiven”—they are.

When He says, “I am with you always”—He is.

When He says, “You are mine”—you belong.

When He says, “You’ll never be snatched away”—you are safe.

Not one voice of guilt or fear or shame can undo what He has done.

Not Satan. Not your sin. Not even death.

Because your Shepherd is alive. And His hand is stronger than anything that could pull you away.

Your Shepherd who speaks to you is the same One who laid down His life for you—and took it up again.

IV. We Listen Because We Trust. We Trust Because He Lives.

That’s the heart of our theme today: Because He lives, we listen and trust the voice of our Good Shepherd in every aspect of life.

But let’s be honest:

we don’t always listen.

We hear His voice— but we tune it out.

We follow strangers. We trust the voices of this world—money, image, power, pleasure.

We even trust our own feelings more than His Word. We listen to fear instead of faith.

Our ears are constantly wandering. Our hearts drift. We listen to lies.

But here’s the Gospel:

Jesus doesn’t stop speaking. He doesn’t walk away.

He keeps calling. He keeps seeking. He keeps holding you in His hand.

Picture a flock grazing calmly, assured that their shepherd guards them from predators lurking nearby, ever ready to fend off dangers with his staff and guide them to lush pastures and fresh waters.

This is Jesus, our Good Shepherd.

And even when we’ve wandered— even when we’re doubting— He holds us."

V. A Word to the Confirmand

Jet, today you’re going to make your public confession of faith before God and this congregation. It’s a big moment. You’re not just saying what you believe—you’re saying who you belong to. It reminds me of a scene from the hockey rink…

Imagine you’re in the middle of a hard-fought game. The puck’s flying, skates are scraping, bodies are hitting the boards. There’s pressure coming from every side. And in the middle of it all—you hear your coach’s voice:

“Jet, back to center! Drop pass! Watch your right!”

Even with the noise, you know that voice. You’ve heard it in practice a hundred times. And because you trust your coach, you listen—even when it doesn’t make immediate sense. That voice cuts through the chaos, That voice helps you stay focused, and puts you in position to do what matters most.

That’s what it’s like to follow Jesus. The world is loud, Jet. There are all kinds of voices—

telling you who to be,

what to chase,

how to live.

But Jesus, your Good Shepherd, has a voice that cuts through the noise. You’ve heard it in Scripture. You’ve learned to recognize it in worship and in prayer. His voice is one of grace, truth, and life.

Like a good coach, Jesus doesn’t just shout from the bench— He actually enters the game with you. He laid down His life to win the victory. And now He leads you. Even when the game gets rough. Even when life gets confusing. His voice will guide you all the way home. That’s what it is like to follow Jesus!

So Jet, today isn’t just a ceremony. It’s your declaration that you know the Shepherd’s voice—and you trust Him. The ice may get slippery. The other team may hit hard. But your Good Shepherd is with you.

Because He lives, you can keep listening, keep trusting, and keep skating in the direction He’s leading.

Your relationship with Jesus provides stability and direction, just like a trusted coach, especially in life's difficult moments.

VI. The Fulfillment of Every Promise

When Jesus spoke these words at the temple, it was winter—the Feast of Dedication.

He already knew what was coming. He knew the cross was near. He knew they would reject Him.

But He also knew the tomb would be empty. He knew His sheep would hear His voice. He knew His Word would reach to every nation.

He knew it would reach you.

St. John saw that day in Revelation 7: A great multitude—robed in white—standing before the throne. worshipping the Lamb saying:

“Salvation belongs to our God... and to the Lamb!” “The Lamb will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water.” (Rev. 7:10,17)

That’s our future. That’s where our Shepherd is leading us. Because He lives, we know His words are not just true—they are already coming true.

VII. Conclusion

Now, as you go into this week, I invite you to make this commitment tangible in your daily routine.

Set aside a quiet moment each day to open Scripture. As you read, Ask, 'What is Jesus saying to me today?' Write down your thoughts and carry it with you as a reminder of His voice guiding you through the noise.

And here's a question for your reflection: “What voices am I currently trusting, and do they agree with the voice of my Good Shepherd?”

So—listen.

Not just on Sundays. Not just when life is easy. Listen when you’re afraid. When you’re uncertain. When life feels dark.

Because your Shepherd is speaking.

And trust.

Trust that His promises are real. Trust that His hand is strong. Trust that His resurrection means everything He said is true.

Because He lives, we listen and trust the voice of our Good Shepherd in every aspect of our lives.

Let these disciplines help you discern His voice more clearly amidst life's clamor, knowing that because He lives, His guidance is near, His promises are true, and His voice is steadfast.

In the name of Jesus, the risen Shepherd who holds us in His hand—Amen.