Easter 4 B: Resurrection Abundance
Dear Partner in Preaching,
It’s a bit of a narrative jump from the last three weeks of Easter readings to this sliver of the “good shepherd” text of John 10, so it might be worth orienting your hearers to the simple fact that this week we’re at a very different point in John’s story of Jesus. Just to set things in context: this is Jesus’ third (and final) trip to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. What is sometimes called “the good shepherd discourse” is a continuation, and really an elaboration, of the conversation already started around Jesus’ healing of the man born blind. Among other things, that means that things are tense. The whole of the ninth chapter is colored by a growing dispute about who Jesus is, where his authority comes from, and whether or not he is “of God.” And Jesus’ contrast of the good shepherd with thieves and bandits (10:8) does nothing to dissipate the tension. This scene, in turn, is a prelude to Jesus’ healing of Lazarus, which pushes his opponents over the edge as they then plan his death.
Having said all that, while this story moves us “backwards” narratively to those events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, this is in many ways a resurrection text. Indeed, it closes with Jesus’ assertion that, “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” (10:17-18).
This is more than a theological assertion of Jesus’ power over life and death. It holds a promise, the promise that Jesus, who is both gate and good shepherd (fortunately we only have one of those metaphors to contend with in this section!), cares for us enough to die for us, to lay down his life, to give us what all other leaders ultimately fail to give, and to remain with us through all things until we enter good pastures once again.
This, in turn, amplifies what Jesus means by “abundant life” (10:10 – which is why I’d suggest starting the reading at 10:10b). Abundant life is not a quantitative statement – more, even lots more, of what we already have – but rather a qualitative distinction. Life in abundance is life that is no longer dominated by fear, but rather lives in and through the promise of protection and presence.
Think, for a moment, of all the many things we have been afraid of over the years. Or, of what we fear just now. It might be a transition in life, the loss of employment, the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, loss of ability or memory, not being included in a friend group, the prospect of being alone. Our fears may change as we age, but the fact and presence of fear in our lives does not.
Nor is this true only of individuals. Think of those fears we are experiencing as a church: declining membership, tight budgets, an aging population, loss of cultural influence and prestige. Or as a culture and country: the end of upward mobility, a lack of cultural cohesion, fear of the stranger or newcomer, loss of status in the world, fear in some cases of anything or anyone who is different. These fears drive our decisions, influence elections, and weigh on us incessantly. These fears, in short, rob us of abundant life.
Which makes me wonder, Dear Partner, if perhaps part of our task this week might be simply to ask – and particularly to ask in the light of Jesus’ Easter resurrection and triumph over death and the grave – how Jesus’ promises might address both our individual and collective fears. How, that is, might our fears of acceptance and inclusion be addressed by Jesus’ promise, “I know my own and my own know me” (10:14)? Or how might our fear of those who are different be both challenged and comforted by realizing that Jesus also says, “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” (10:16). And how might Jesus’ declaration and promise, “the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (10:11), alleviate our deepest fears so that we can be there for others, do what’s right, stand up to bullies who trade in fear, and be the people God needs us to be for this world God loves so much?
This connection between the promises of the good shepherd and our ongoing celebration of the resurrection might just provide the perfect opportunity to remind our folks that Easter isn’t simply a one-time celebration or holiday, but rather is a way of life, a life guided by the promise that there is something “More” than what we see, buy, collect, or hoard. Life, like love, is one of those things that, in the power of God’s Spirit, only multiplies as it is shared. And as love and life are shared, fear loses its grip on us and we taste, even revel in, not just life, but life in its abundance. Thank you for your part, Dear Partner, for proclaiming these promises in your words and life.
Yours in Christ,
David
“…and to remain with us through all things until we enter
good pastures again.”
So, abundant life is: God with us; God holding us tight, my recurring theme for 2018?
ISTM that there’s an element in the text of commitment beyond fear. Laying down (tithemi) life (psyche) is also about commitment without stipulations (I’ll stick as long as we’re growing), but also without being trapped (take psyche up again). The commitment of Jesus isn’t (here) about physical life (zoe) but about not letting go (aphiemi), which is what the hired hand does (I’m out of here!). Any sense?
Yes. Thanks, Bill.