Loading...A few days ago, in Bible study, someone told a story about their question that was raised by something in this portion of John’s Gospel:
Do sheep REALLY know their master’s voice?
A farmer friend of this story-teller said, “Let’s see! You stand there and call the sheep.”
Our storyteller dutifully called: “Sheep, sheep, sheep!”
Nuthin’.
Then the farmer said, “They’ll pay attention to me even if I stand out of sight!”
So he went around the corner and called.
The sheep ran to him! It was amazing!
Except, then the secret came out; he’d been shaking a feed bag as he called to the sheep.
Ha. Ha.
Yet, at the same time, when I drive home,
the dog doesn’t bark at me as I walk up the path.
Rather, I’m greeted with a whole body wag by a smiley dog.
The same dog who usually barks at people who approach the house.
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Know and being known.
The shepherd knows the sheep; the sheep know the shepherd.
This is a metaphor, of course, for not just the care and love that God has for us,
but it tells us about the deep and abiding trust that we have in God
because of God’s love for us.
Trust can be a difficult concept.
It is not a thing, a material thing.
Rather, it is an idea, a concept, an intangible.
But you definitely know when you don’t trust, or have lost trust.
When you trust another and are trusted by them, it’s in the context of a relationship: with a person, in a group or community, as part of an institution, or even for a position or role.
As that relationship develops, you engage in little tests of vulnerability –
how does the other respond to you sharing something important.
• With a person, you share a story, a belief, or an experience that has significance to you.
• In a group or community, shared experiences (conversation, service projects, difficulties) build up communal trust.
• With an institution or person in position of authority, you also share things. For example, making a bank deposit, or sharing time and energy in a church congregation.
If these tests are met well, trust builds and builds. The web of connection is strengthened. Yet, inevitably there will be a break – betrayal, loss, inertia, or even the neglect of the relationship.
But, if the trust is deep, repairs can be made and rebuilding can happen.
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As Jesus is talking with his followers – all of us – he makes the declaration:
I am the Good Shepherd.
In other words,
I am the one you know.
I am the one whose voice you know.
I am the one who cares for you.
I am the one upon whom you may rely.
I am the one who loves you – all of you – deeply.
I am the one whom you can trust.
I am the one who knows you.
No matter what we encounter –
do or don’t do
question or wonder
risks we take or don’t take
whom we love –
Jesus is our good shepherd.
Jesus is walking with you and guiding you (even if the guidance sometimes seems puzzling or enigmatic).
Jesus as our good shepherd may be found while at church,
in small groups of trustworthy friends,
in service to God’s beloved world and people,
and in special places such as camp. Indeed, Camp Cross has been THE primary place for many young people for the relationship with God to be built and nurtured as one of trust and love.
Jesus is your Good Shepherd
the one who knows you and loves you,
the one whom you can trust,
the one who gives life and hope – in joy, and in the darkest of valleys,
the one who loves the whole world,
especially all of us sheep!
Amen
