4th Sunday of Easter

(3rd may 2009)

 

 

THE 7 STEPS

 

1.      SILENCE

2.      WORSHIP

3.      SCRIPTURE

READING

4.      MEDITATION

5.      BY HEART

6.      INTERCESSION

7.      COVENANT PRAYER

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING: John 10:11-18

 

“...Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep...”

Meditation: Try to answer as many questions as possible

1.       If you are a shepherd, what would be your most basic responsibility?  In other words, what would the sheep under your care depend on you for?   

2.       How would you characterize the relationship between shepherd and sheep? Would a shepherd lay down his life for his sheep?  Would the sheep lay down their lives for their shepherd?  Why?   

3.       According to Jesus, what is the characteristic of a good shepherd?  How did Jesus lay down his life for his sheep?  Why would a hired man not do the same?  What is the hired man concern about?

4.       What is the characteristic of the sheep that belongs to the Good Shepherd? 

 

By Heart: Reflect on this in light of your daily life situation

It is an undeniable fact:  The sheep need their shepherd.  They depend on him for food and protection.  Without the shepherd, the sheep cannot possibly survive by themselves.  Thus, the relationship of the sheep in reference to the shepherd is one of total dependence.  The sheep needs the shepherd to live.  

-          How much do we depend on Jesus in our daily lives? 

-          What happens to us when we live without the guidance of the Good Shepherd?

The shepherd’s sole concern is for the well-being of his sheep.  A true shepherd would be willing to face any danger in order to ensure the safety of the sheep.  Many of us have people under our leadership and care and sometimes they depend on us for guidance and counsel. 

- How do we exercise the authority entrusted to us?  Do we follow the leadership examples set by the Good Shepherd?  In what ways can we “lay down our lives” for them?    

 

“Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life by becoming the Lamb of God.”

 

 

Intercessions:

1.       For the shepherds of the church, that they might mirror their life and ministry upon the examples of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

2.       For the lost and neglected of our community, that we might seek and search them out and bring them back to the fold. 

3.       For the sick and suffering, that they might strength and comfort in the shepherd who laid down his life for their sake.

4.       For parents and teachers, that they might strive to be living examples of gospel message to the children under their care.

5.       For young people, that they might be attentive to the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow him faithfully.

Covenant Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life:  a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life.  Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth.  Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives.  Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled.  In your name we humbly pray.  Amen