Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

 Always Room for One More

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When Jesus says "I am" in the Gospel of John, he unlocks a new perspective on his love.  In today's reading, when Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd," we can imagine our Lord caring for us and guiding us.  We picture ourselves as his sheep.  It's reassuring to hear that we aren't alone to navigate the dangers and challenges of this world.  We have a loving shepherd who is looking out for us.

 

Jesus loves us so much that he goes above and beyond the shepherd's role as a caretaker.  He gives up his own life so our sins can be forgiven and we can receive eternal life.  That's what being a good shepherd means---having such a close relationship with the sheep that the shepherd will stop at nothing to protect them.  The shepherd will lay down his own life so his sheep can have life.

 

When we hear Jesus' promise to be our good shepherd, we must not miss his commitment to gather up the sheep that aren't yet part of his flock.  They, too, will listen to Jesus' voice.  Responding to his loving call, they will become part of the one flock that follows Jesus as their good shepherd, their Savior, and their Lord.  No matter how many sheep are already jostling for space, there is always room for one more.  Just like there is always room at our holy communion table for one more person to eat the bread, drink the wine, and receive the gifts of God's mercy and grace.  We can always squeeze closer to the sheep around us to let one or more sheep enter Jesus' flock, thankful that the flock is growing and that we get to listen to the loving voice of our good shepherd, together.

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