Easter 3 | John 10:22-30 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
The Good Shepherd by Fernando Ortega, Jana Alayra, and Tim Macres

Lyrics:
I am The Good Shepherd
I lay down my life for you
Enter in enter in enter in
I am The Good Shepherd
As the Father knows me I know you
I know you I know you I know you
And no one can take you away
And no one can take you away

You are The Good Shepherd
You lay down your life for me
Enter in enter in enter in
You are The Good Shepherd
As the Father knows you you know me
You know me you know me you know me
And no one can take you away
And no one can take you away

Passage:
22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me,[a] is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
(John 10:22-30 ESV)

Musical Reflection:
Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry

Reflection Notes:
Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation’s use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.

Prayer:
O God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of your people: Grant that, when we hear his voice, we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.