Year A
Easter
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Contextual Background:
Jesus describes himself as the shepherd who knows the sheep by name, leads them out, and lays down his life. He contrasts his leadership with thieves who come to steal and destroy.
The image of “shepherd” is interesting. It is both a metaphor for the responsibility of leaders and a lowly occupation often associated with thieves.
Within the Jewish Tradition:
God is Israel’s shepherd (Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34). Prophets condemned false shepherds who exploited the flock. Jesus embodies God’s true shepherding.
The Challenge Then:
The challenge was to trust Jesus’ vulnerable, self-giving leadership rather than coercive rulers.
The Challenge Now:
Our culture admires leaders who dominate. Jesus redefines leadership as relational, protective, and life-giving. Dominance is not strength. It arises from a fundamental fear of our true condition as human beings: both vulnerable and powerful. Dominators think they can avoid their own death by imposing death. This is a lie. true strength is embracing the fullness of human life, as Jesus did – as God in the life of Jesus.
Implications for Leaders & Communities:
- Leaders: embody shepherding as relational care, not domination.
- Communities: discern voices — follow those that lead to life, not exploitation.
What I Am Learning:
True leadership is relational love that protects and gives life.
The Question I’m Sitting With:
Whose voice am I following — the shepherd’s, or the thieves’?
