We have moved away from the room where the disciples had secured, protecting themselves from others. We are now out in the fields, the sunshine on our back. You hungry? Let’s go large!
We start our passage this week a verse early John 10:10-18. This passage occurs annually in the lectionary and focusses upon the Good Shepherd, a re-emerging metaphor throughout Scripture. The passage starts with a theme of the sheep in the pasture, the theme of a thief coming into destroy but Jesus coming that life may be abundant. The last word I wrote about last year, referring to it as like a-bun-dance. But a recent study has revealed that abundance these days might be more akin to materialism, and go-large. Comparing the standard sizes of the same goods in the UK and US of MacDonald products (other fast food providers also exist) has revealed that Americans get value-for-money or more for their buck! A BigMac and shake provides 1400 kCalories in the UK, whilst in the States it gives you 1870 kCalories – nigh on enough for the whole day. Our narrative, post the pandemic has also been about the economy, not only jobs for everyone but getting profits restored. Let’s go large!
I wonder what living life to the fullest might look like?
One Flock
Jesus compares the Good Shepherd with one that is the hired hand. The latter might leave the flock due to concerns to their own safety, but Jesus remains. That’s quite an ask of us all.
I have been to certain military theatres where our lives were at stake. The challenge there was to put your life on the line, for Queen and Country. Is this the same?
I would regard this to be even greater than that. This isn’t about one country, flying the flag – which appears so prevalent currently in the UK. Our borders are lines drawn in the sand by politicians many many years ago, but societies change, divide and meld. What is unchanging is that we are human. When we speak of looking after our own first, are we instantly saying that one part of humanity is greater than another? When we say that refugees should not be supported over the veterans of our military forces are we saying that those from abroad are lesser humans?
“I lay down my life for the sheep” is such a powerful expression (John 10:15) Ah but Jesus is looking after ‘his’ sheep. Next verse ‘I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also‘ – John 10:16. Who are these sheep? That would make a huge flock : is Jesus asking us to go large?
Are we talking about Gentiles? those who are not Jews but also hear the message? What of those of other faiths? Can they whom may not believe in Jesus also be worthy of such love that all, yes all, are of Jesus’ flock?
Echo Chamber
I recall after the Referendum of 2016 there was considerable shock from both camps. How could this result happen? Utilising social media we make ‘friends’ and possibly ‘defriend’ others, even bar other people. Possibly because from the safety of our keyboards we can release pent up angst and focus our concerns on others. That demarcation between ‘us’ and ‘others’ seems far more distant now, separated. We can share our thoughts with ‘friends’ those whom associate with our perspectives, but considerably limit the discussion with those who disagree. This does not allow for a balanced conversation.
On websites which we might have control as as Administrator etc, we may delete those comments which do not agree with out theology or belief. We might wish to keep ‘our’ page aligned to our thoughts alone. Would that be keeping those sheep separated, not with us?
For God so loved the world seemed so far away now. The world does not relate only to the Jews, or to our congregation, or to our denomination, but the cosmos. That’s really hard to accept in this modern strictly defined delimited world we live in. Perhaps our perspective is to consider go large after all?
So?
So can we share with those of other faiths of their joys and disappointments? What of the troubles re-emerging in Northern Ireland? Are we so distant that we may stand at the sidelines with nothing to say or do but watch? This text might be inviting us to be that bridge builder between communities. To seek to bring people together – as one. Yes, there may be still disagreement, but as it is in any family, we strive to work with that – in love.
What we may not do is to walk away, for then we are akin to that hired hand. Tough stuff.