3rd Sunday of Easter (1) Framework

I.Third Sunday of Easter (One-Year Series)

Propers (One-Year Lectionary):

• Old Testament: Ezekiel 34:11-16
• Epistle: 1 Peter 2:21-25
• Gospel: John 10:11-16

Theme: Christ the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep

1. Liturgical and Theological Context

The Third Sunday of Easter in the One-Year Series is traditionally known as "Jubilate" (from Psalm 66:1, "Make a joyful shout"). The readings focus on Christ as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing:

• His atoning death
• His ongoing pastoral care
• The believer's identity as sheep of His pasture

This Sunday highlights the comfort that the risen Christ continues to shepherd His Church through Word and Sacrament.

2. Law and Gospel Structure

A. The Law

• Sheep Gone Astray "You were straying like sheep" reveals humanity's lost condition in sin ¹. Apart from Christ, we are:
• Wandering
• Vulnerable
• Spiritually helpless
• False Shepherds and Neglect Ezekiel condemns unfaithful shepherds, exposing spiritual abuse and failure to care for God's people ².
• The Danger of the Wolf The hired hand flees, and the wolf snatches the sheep, illustrating the destructive power of sin, death, and the devil ³.

B. The Gospel

• Christ the Good Shepherd "I am the good shepherd" reveals Jesus as:
• The true Shepherd
• The fulfillment of God's promise ⁴
• The Shepherd Lays Down His Life "The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" proclaims substitutionary atonement ⁵.
• Christ Knows His Sheep "I know my own and my own know me" emphasizes:
• Personal care
• Relational faith grounded in Christ's knowledge of us ⁶
• The Gathering of One Flock "I have other sheep... so there will be one flock, one shepherd" proclaims the unity of the Church ⁷.
• Healing Through His Wounds "By His wounds you have been healed" declares forgiveness and restoration through Christ's suffering ⁸.

3. Doctrinal Themes (LCMS Emphasis)

A. Christology - The Good Shepherd

Jesus is:

• The divine Shepherd promised in Ezekiel
• The one who personally seeks and saves His sheep

This affirms the doctrine of Christ's true divinity and saving work ³⁰⁰ recognized in biblical theology ^,200.

B. Substitutionary Atonement

Christ:

• Dies in place of the sheep
• Bears their sin
• Secures their salvation

This reflects the central Lutheran teaching of justification by grace through Christ's sacrifice ³⁰¹ widely affirmed in theological scholarship ²⁰¹.

C. The Means of Grace

The Good Shepherd continues to:

• Speak through His Word
• Feed His sheep in the Sacrament

Thus, He actively shepherds His Church today through external means ³⁰² consistent with Lutheran and historical teaching ^,202.

D. The Church as One Flock

"There will be one flock, one shepherd" teaches:

• The unity of the Church
• Christ as the only head of the Church

This aligns with the Lutheran understanding of the Church as the assembly gathered around the Gospel ³⁰³.

E. Sanctification as Following the Shepherd

Christians:

• Follow the Shepherd
• Endure suffering
• Live in trust

This reflects that sanctification flows from Christ's work and example ²⁰³.

4. Liturgical and Pastoral Application

A. Preaching Focus

• Proclaim Christ crucified as the Good Shepherd
• Emphasize His ongoing care for His people
• Contrast Christ with false shepherds and worldly security

B. Christian Comfort

Believers are assured that:

• Christ knows them personally
• Christ laid down His life for them
• Christ continues to guide and protect them

C. Pastoral Ministry

• Pastors serve as under-shepherds
• Their role is to:
• Preach the Word
• Administer the Sacraments
• Care for the flock

This reflects the Office of the Ministry as instituted by Christ.

5. Christological Fulfillment

The readings reveal Jesus as:

• The Shepherd promised in Ezekiel
• The suffering Servant who bears sin
• The risen Lord who gathers His flock

Through Him:

• The lost are found
• The wounded are healed
• The flock is united

6. Conclusion

The Third Sunday of Easter (One-Year Series) proclaims that Christ is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep and continues to care for them. In LCMS theology, this means that believers live in confidence, knowing that their Shepherd:

• Has redeemed them by His blood
• Knows and calls them by name
• Sustains them through Word and Sacrament

Thus, the Church rejoices in the risen Christ, who gathers, protects, and preserves His flock unto eternal life.

• Biblical References:
  • • 1. 1 Peter 2:25 - Straying like sheep apart from Christ.
  • • 2. Ezekiel 34:1-10 - Condemnation of false shepherds (context).
  • • 3. John 10:12 - The wolf scatters the sheep.
  • • 4. John 10:11 - Christ as the Good Shepherd.
  • • 5. John 10:11 - The Shepherd lays down His life.
  • • 6. John 10:14 - Christ knows His sheep.
  • • 7. John 10:16 - One flock, one shepherd.
  • • 8. 1 Peter 2:24 - Healing through Christ's wounds.

• External References:
  • • 200. G. K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Theology - Connects Old Testament shepherd imagery to Christ.
  • • 201. Thomas R. Schreiner, New Testament Theology - Emphasizes substitutionary atonement.
  • • 202. Hermann Sasse, We Confess Jesus Christ - Discusses Christ's ongoing presence in Word and Sacrament.
  • • 203. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship - Explores following Christ in suffering and obedience.

• Confessional References:
  • • 300. AC III, - The Son of God became man and redeems us.
  • • 301. AC IV, - Justification by grace through faith.
  • • 302. AC V, - The means of grace.
  • • 303. AC VII, - The unity of the Church.

II. Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16 (Third Sunday of Easter, One-Year Series)

1. Text and Context

Ezekiel 34:11-16 is part of the Lord's response to the failure of Israel's shepherds (leaders) earlier in the chapter. God Himself declares that He will seek, rescue, feed, and care for His sheep.

This passage is foundational for:

• The biblical image of God as Shepherd
• The promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd
• The doctrine of divine initiative in salvation

2. Law and Gospel Structure

A. The Law

• Failure of Human Shepherds The broader context condemns leaders who:
• Neglect the flock
• Exploit the weak This reveals the corruption of human leadership under sin ¹.
• The Scattering of the Sheep "My sheep were scattered" shows the result of sin:
• Separation from God
• Spiritual lostness ²
• The Weak, Sick, and Straying The condition of the sheep reflects:
• Human helplessness
• Bondage to sin and death ³

B. The Gospel

• God Himself Seeks the Sheep "I, I myself will search for my sheep" proclaims God's personal initiative in salvation ⁴.
• The Divine Rescue "I will rescue them from all places" emphasizes deliverance from sin, death, and exile ⁵.
• The Good Shepherd Feeds His Flock "I will feed them in good pasture" shows God's provision of:
• Spiritual nourishment
• Life and sustenance ⁶
• The Restoration of the Lost "I will seek the lost... bring back the strayed... bind up the injured... strengthen the weak" reveals God's compassionate restoration ⁷.
• Righteous Judgment "The fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice" shows that God's salvation includes righteous judgment against the wicked ⁸.

3. Doctrinal Themes (LCMS Emphasis)

A. Divine Initiative in Salvation

God declares:

• "I myself will search for my sheep"

This teaches that salvation is:

• Entirely God's work
• Not dependent on human effort

This aligns with justification by grace alone ³⁰⁰ affirmed in theological reflection ²⁰⁰.

B. Christ as the Fulfillment - The Good Shepherd

This passage is fulfilled in Jesus, who says:

• "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11)

Thus:

• The Lord in Ezekiel is revealed in Christ
• Jesus is true God and true Shepherd

This reflects the doctrine of Christ's person and work ³⁰¹ widely recognized in biblical theology ^,201.

C. The Means of Grace

"I will feed them" points to how God cares for His people:

• Through His Word
• Through the Sacraments

In LCMS theology, Christ continues to shepherd His people through these external means ³⁰² consistent with Lutheran teaching ²⁰².

D. The Church as the Flock of God

The sheep represent:

• The people of God
• The Church gathered by Him

This reflects the understanding of the Church as those who:

• Hear the Shepherd's voice
• Are gathered and sustained by Him ³⁰³.

E. Law and Gospel in Divine Judgment

God:

• Judges the "fat and strong" (Law)
• Saves the weak and lost (Gospel)

This demonstrates the proper distinction between judgment and mercy, central to Lutheran theology ²⁰³.

4. Liturgical and Pastoral Application

A. Preaching Focus

• Proclaim God as the Shepherd who seeks and saves
• Connect Ezekiel 34 to Christ's fulfillment in the Gospel
• Emphasize grace for the lost and broken

B. Christian Comfort

Believers are assured that:

• God seeks them when they are lost
• God restores and strengthens them
• God provides for all their needs

C. Pastoral Ministry

• Pastors serve under Christ, the true Shepherd
• They are called to:
• Feed the flock with the Word
• Care for the weak and straying

This reflects the pastoral office as service under Christ's authority.

5. Christological Fulfillment

Ezekiel 34:11-16 is fulfilled in Jesus Christ:

• He seeks the lost (Luke 19:10)
• He feeds His flock (John 6)
• He lays down His life for the sheep (John 10)

Thus, this passage points directly to:

• The incarnation
• The atonement
• The ongoing care of Christ for His Church

6. Conclusion

Ezekiel 34:11-16 proclaims that God Himself is the Shepherd of His people, who seeks, rescues, feeds, and restores His flock. In LCMS theology, this promise is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who continues to shepherd His Church through Word and Sacrament, bringing the lost into His fold and preserving them in faith.

• Biblical References:
  • • 1. Ezekiel 34:1-10 - Condemnation of false shepherds (context).
  • • 2. Ezekiel 34:6 - The sheep scattered and lost.
  • • 3. Ezekiel 34:4 - The weak, sick, and straying sheep.
  • • 4. Ezekiel 34:11 - God Himself searches for His sheep.
  • • 5. Ezekiel 34:12 - God rescues His scattered flock.
  • • 6. Ezekiel 34:14 - God feeds them in good pasture.
  • • 7. Ezekiel 34:16 - God restores the lost and weak.
  • • 8. Ezekiel 34:16 - Judgment upon the fat and strong.

• External References:
  • • 200. Gerhard Forde, Where God Meets Man - Emphasizes God's initiative in salvation.
  • • 201. G. K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Theology - Connects Ezekiel's shepherd imagery to Christ.
  • • 202. Hermann Sasse, We Confess Jesus Christ - Discusses Christ's ongoing care through means of grace.
  • • 203. C. F. W. Walther, The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel - Explains judgment and mercy in Scripture.

• Confessional References:
  • • 300. AC IV, - Justification by grace alone.
  • • 301. AC III, - Christ as true God and true man.
  • • 302. AC V, - The means of grace.
  • • 303. AC VII, - The Church as the assembly of believers.

III. Psalm: Psalm 23 (Third Sunday of Easter, One-Year Series)

1. Text and Context

Psalm 23 is a psalm of David that confesses the Lord as the Shepherd who provides, protects, and preserves His people. It is one of the clearest Old Testament expressions of trust in God's ongoing care.

Within the One-Year lectionary, it complements:

• Ezekiel 34:11-16 (God as Shepherd)
• John 10:11-16 (Christ as the Good Shepherd)

Thus, Psalm 23 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

2. Law and Gospel Structure

A. The Law

• The Reality of Danger and Death "The valley of the shadow of death" reveals:
• The presence of death in a fallen world
• The consequences of sin ¹
• Human Vulnerability as Sheep Sheep are:
• Helpless
• Dependent
• Easily led astray

This reflects humanity's spiritual weakness and need for a shepherd ².

• Enemies and Threats "In the presence of my enemies" highlights:
• Ongoing spiritual conflict
• The threats of sin, death, and the devil ³

B. The Gospel

• The Lord as Shepherd "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" proclaims:
• God's personal care
• Complete provision for His people ⁴
• Rest and Restoration "He makes me lie down in green pastures... restores my soul" reveals:
• Spiritual nourishment
• Renewal given by God ⁵
• Guidance in Righteousness "He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake" shows:
• God actively guiding His people
• Salvation grounded in His name and promise ⁶
• Comfort in the Face of Death "I will fear no evil, for You are with me" proclaims:
• God's presence conquering fear
• Assurance even in death ⁷
• The Shepherd's Provision - Table and Cup "You prepare a table before me... my cup overflows" points to:
• Abundant blessing
• Foreshadowing of the Lord's Supper ⁸
• Eternal Dwelling with the Lord "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" declares:
• The promise of eternal life
• Communion with God forever ⁹

3. Doctrinal Themes (LCMS Emphasis)

A. Christ as the Good Shepherd

Psalm 23 is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who says:

• "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11)

Thus:

• The Lord of Psalm 23 is revealed in Christ
• Jesus is the Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ¹⁰ as recognized in biblical theology ²⁰⁰.

B. Justification and Divine Provision

"I shall not want" teaches that:

• God provides all that is needed for salvation
• Righteousness is given, not earned

This reflects justification by grace ³⁰¹ affirmed in theological study ²⁰¹.

C. The Means of Grace

The imagery of:

• Green pastures
• Still waters
• Table and cup

Points to how God cares for His people through:

• The Word
• The Sacraments

In LCMS theology, these are the means by which Christ feeds and sustains His flock ³⁰² supported by Lutheran theology ²⁰².

D. The Theology of the Cross

The presence of:

• The valley of death
• Enemies

Shows that the Christian life includes suffering. Yet:

• God is present in the midst of it

This reflects the theology of the cross ³⁰³ emphasized in Christian theology ²⁰³.

E. Assurance and Eternal Life

The psalm provides certainty that:

• God is with His people now
• God will bring them into eternal life

This assurance rests on God's promise, not human strength.

4. Liturgical and Pastoral Application

A. Preaching Focus

• Proclaim Christ as the Shepherd who provides and protects
• Emphasize comfort in suffering and death
• Connect Psalm 23 to Christ's death and resurrection

B. Christian Comfort

Believers are assured that:

• They lack nothing in Christ
• They are guided and protected
• They need not fear death

C. Sacramental Life

• Highlight "table" and "cup" in connection with the Lord's Supper
• Encourage reception of Christ's gifts for strength and assurance

5. Christological Fulfillment

Psalm 23 is fulfilled in Jesus Christ:

• He is the Good Shepherd
• He leads through death into life
• He prepares the eternal feast

Through Him:

• The valley of death is overcome
• The believer dwells with God forever

6. Conclusion

Psalm 23 proclaims that the Lord is the Shepherd who provides, protects, and preserves His people. In LCMS theology, this psalm finds its full meaning in Jesus Christ, who shepherds His Church through Word and Sacrament, leading them through death into eternal life.

• Biblical References:
  • • 1. Psalm 23:4 - The valley of the shadow of death.
  • • 2. Isaiah 53:6 - All we like sheep have gone astray.
  • • 3. Psalm 23:5 - Presence of enemies.
  • • 4. Psalm 23:1 - The Lord as Shepherd and provider.
  • • 5. Psalm 23:2-3 - Restoration and nourishment.
  • • 6. Psalm 23:3 - Guidance in righteousness.
  • • 7. Psalm 23:4 - God's presence removes fear.
  • • 8. Psalm 23:5 - The table and overflowing cup.
  • • 9. Psalm 23:6 - Dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.
  • • 10. John 10:11 - Christ as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life.

• External References:
  • • 200. G. K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Theology - Connects shepherd imagery to Christ.
  • • 201. Alister E. McGrath, Reformation Thought - Explains justification by grace.
  • • 202. Hermann Sasse, We Confess Jesus Christ - Discusses Christ's care through means of grace.
  • • 203. Gerhard Forde, On Being a Theologian of the Cross - Explores suffering and God's presence.

• Confessional References:
  • • 301. AC IV, - Justification by grace through faith.
  • • 302. AC V, - The means of grace.
  • • 303. Heidelberg Disputation - Theology of the cross.

IV. Epistle - 1 Peter 2:21-25 (Third Sunday of Easter, One-Year Series)

1. Text and Context

The Epistle, 1 Peter 2:21-25, addresses Christians enduring suffering and calls them to follow Christ's example. This passage centers on Christ's suffering, substitutionary atonement, and the believer's return to the Shepherd.

It connects directly with the Good Shepherd theme of the day and emphasizes:

• Christ's redemptive suffering
• The believer's identity in Him
• The restoration of the lost

2. Law and Gospel Structure

A. The Law

• The Reality of Sin "He committed no sin" highlights by contrast that:
• Humanity does commit sin
• All stand guilty before God ¹
• Straying Like Sheep "You were straying like sheep" reveals:
• Spiritual lostness
• Separation from God ²
• The Burden of Sin Sin leads to:
• Guilt
• Death
• Judgment

This exposes the need for redemption.

B. The Gospel

• Christ's Sinless Suffering "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth" proclaims:
• Christ's perfect righteousness
• His qualification to be our Savior ³
• Substitutionary Atonement "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree" teaches that:
• Christ takes our place
• He bears the punishment we deserve ⁴
• Healing Through His Wounds "By His wounds you have been healed" proclaims:
• Forgiveness of sins
• Restoration to God ⁵
• Return to the Shepherd "You have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" reveals:
• Conversion as God's work
• Christ as the one who gathers and keeps His people ⁶
• New Life in Righteousness "That we might die to sin and live to righteousness" shows:
• The fruit of salvation
• A new life flowing from Christ's work ⁷

3. Doctrinal Themes (LCMS Emphasis)

A. Substitutionary Atonement

This passage clearly teaches that:

• Christ bears our sins
• He suffers in our place
• He accomplishes salvation objectively

This aligns with the doctrine of justification by grace through Christ's work ³⁰⁰ affirmed in theological scholarship ^,200.

B. The Theology of the Cross

Christ:

• Suffers unjustly
• Does not retaliate
• Entrusts Himself to the Father

This demonstrates that God works through:

• Suffering
• Weakness
• The cross

This reflects Lutheran theology of the cross ³⁰¹ widely emphasized in biblical studies ²⁰¹.

C. Justification and Sanctification

The text shows the proper order:

• Christ redeems (justification)
• Believers live in righteousness (sanctification)

Thus:

• Good works follow faith
• They do not earn salvation ³⁰² consistent with Reformation teaching ^,202.

D. Christ as Shepherd and Overseer

Jesus is identified as:

• Shepherd (one who cares and guides)
• Overseer (one who watches and preserves)

This connects directly to:

• Psalm 23
• John 10

It affirms Christ's ongoing care for His Church.

E. Conversion as Divine Action

"You have now returned" indicates:

• A completed action
• God's work in bringing sinners back

This reflects the teaching that conversion is God's work through the means of grace ³⁰³ supported by theological reflection ²⁰³.

4. Liturgical and Pastoral Application

A. Preaching Focus

• Proclaim Christ crucified for sinners
• Emphasize forgiveness through His wounds
• Connect suffering with following Christ

B. Christian Comfort

Believers are assured that:

• Their sins are fully borne by Christ
• They are healed and restored
• They belong to the Good Shepherd

C. Christian Living

• Endure suffering with trust in God
• Follow Christ's example of humility and patience
• Live in righteousness as those redeemed

5. Christological Fulfillment

This passage presents Jesus as:

• The sinless Lamb
• The substitute for sinners
• The Shepherd who restores the lost

Through Him:

• Sin is forgiven
• Life is restored
• The sheep are gathered into His fold

6. Conclusion

1 Peter 2:21-25 proclaims that Christ suffered for us, bearing our sins and healing us by His wounds. In LCMS theology, this passage teaches that salvation is entirely accomplished by Christ, and that believers, once straying, are now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls, living in faith and righteousness.

• Biblical References:
  • • 1. 1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's sinlessness highlights human sin.
  • • 2. 1 Peter 2:25 - Straying like sheep.
  • • 3. 1 Peter 2:22 - No sin or deceit in Christ.
  • • 4. 1 Peter 2:24 - Christ bears our sins on the tree.
  • • 5. 1 Peter 2:24 - Healing through His wounds.
  • • 6. 1 Peter 2:25 - Return to the Shepherd and Overseer.
  • • 7. 1 Peter 2:24 - Living to righteousness.

• External References:
  • • 200. Thomas R. Schreiner, 1 Peter (New American Commentary) - Emphasizes substitutionary atonement in 1 Peter.
  • • 201. Leonhard Goppelt, Theology of the New Testament - Highlights suffering and the cross in apostolic teaching.
  • • 202. Alister E. McGrath, Reformation Thought - Explains justification and sanctification.
  • • 203. Gerhard Forde, Where God Meets Man - Discusses God's work in conversion.

• Confessional References:
  • • 300. AC IV, - Justification by grace through faith.
  • • 301. Heidelberg Disputation - Theology of the cross.
  • • 302. FC SD IV, 8 - Good works follow faith.
  • • 303. AC V, - Conversion through the means of grace.

V. Gospel: John 10:11-16 (Third Sunday of Easter, One-Year Series)

1. Text and Context

The Gospel, John 10:11-16, presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, in contrast to false shepherds and hired hands. This discourse follows Jesus' earlier teaching about the sheepfold and emphasizes His sacrificial death, intimate care, and the unity of His flock.

This passage is central to:

• Christology (who Jesus is)
• Atonement (what He does)
• Ecclesiology (the nature of the Church)

2. Law and Gospel Structure

A. The Law

• The Reality of False Shepherds The hired hand "sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep" reveals:
• The failure of human leaders
• The danger of relying on anything other than Christ ¹
• The Threat of the Wolf "The wolf snatches them and scatters them" represents:
• Sin
• Death
• The devil These enemies threaten and destroy the flock ²
• Human Helplessness as Sheep Sheep are:
• Defenseless
• Dependent This reflects humanity's inability to save itself.

B. The Gospel

• Christ the Good Shepherd "I am the good shepherd" proclaims:
• Jesus as the true and faithful Shepherd
• The fulfillment of God's promise ³
• The Shepherd Lays Down His Life "The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" teaches:
• Substitutionary atonement
• Christ's voluntary sacrifice ⁴
• Christ Knows His Sheep "I know my own and my own know me" reveals:
• Personal relationship
• Faith grounded in Christ's knowledge of us ⁵
• Unity with the Father "Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father" shows:
• Christ's divine nature
• The unity within the Trinity ⁶
• One Flock, One Shepherd "There will be one flock, one shepherd" proclaims:
• The unity of the Church
• The inclusion of all believers (Jew and Gentile) ⁷
• The Gathering of Other Sheep "I have other sheep that are not of this fold" reveals:
• The mission to the Gentiles
• The universal scope of the Gospel ⁸

3. Doctrinal Themes (LCMS Emphasis)

A. Christology - True God and True Shepherd

Jesus:

• Identifies Himself as the Shepherd promised in the Old Testament
• Demonstrates divine authority and knowledge

This affirms the doctrine of Christ as true God and true man ³⁰⁰ recognized in biblical theology ^,200.

B. Substitutionary Atonement

Christ:

• Lays down His life for the sheep
• Dies in their place
• Secures their salvation

This is central to justification by grace ³⁰¹ emphasized in theological scholarship ²⁰¹.

C. The Means of Grace

The Good Shepherd:

• Calls His sheep by voice (Word)
• Gathers and sustains them

In LCMS theology, Christ continues to shepherd His Church through:

• The preached Word
• The Sacraments ³⁰² supported by Lutheran theology ^,202.

D. The Church as One Flock

"There will be one flock, one shepherd" teaches:

• Unity in Christ
• One true Church gathered around the Gospel

This aligns with the Lutheran understanding of the Church ³⁰³.

F. Election and Faith

"I know my own" emphasizes:

• Christ's initiative in knowing and choosing His sheep
• Faith as response to His call

This reflects the doctrine that salvation originates in God's gracious will.

4. Liturgical and Pastoral Application

A. Preaching Focus

• Proclaim Christ crucified as the Good Shepherd
• Emphasize His care and protection
• Contrast Christ with false shepherds

B. Christian Comfort

Believers are assured that:

• Christ knows them personally
• Christ died for them
• Christ continues to guard and guide them

C. Mission and Evangelism

• The Church participates in gathering the "other sheep"
• The Gospel is proclaimed to all nations
• Trust that Christ Himself gathers His flock

5. Christological Fulfillment

This passage fulfills Old Testament promises:

• Ezekiel 34 - God as Shepherd
• Psalm 23 - The Lord as Shepherd

Jesus is:

• The promised Shepherd
• The sacrificial Lamb
• The risen Lord who gathers His flock

6. Conclusion

John 10:11-16 proclaims that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep and gathers them into one flock. In LCMS theology, this means that believers are:

• Known by Christ
• Redeemed by His sacrifice
• Sustained through Word and Sacrament

Thus, the Church lives in confidence under the care of the Shepherd who gives His life and preserves His flock forever.

• Biblical References:
  • • 1. John 10:12-13 - The hired hand abandons the sheep.
  • • 2. John 10:12 - The wolf scatters the flock.
  • • 3. John 10:11 - Christ as the Good Shepherd.
  • • 4. John 10:11 - The Shepherd lays down His life.
  • • 5. John 10:14 - Christ knows His sheep.
  • • 6. John 10:15 - Unity between the Father and the Son.
  • • 7. John 10:16 - One flock, one shepherd.
  • • 8. John 10:16 - Other sheep brought into the fold.

• External References:
  • • 200. G. K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Theology - Connects shepherd imagery to Christ.
  • • 201. Thomas R. Schreiner, New Testament Theology - Emphasizes substitutionary atonement.
  • • 202. Hermann Sasse, We Confess Jesus Christ - Discusses Christ's ongoing care through means of grace.

• Confessional References:
  • • 300. AC III, - Christ as true God and true man.
  • • 301. AC IV, - Justification by grace through faith.
  • • 302. AC V, - The means of grace.
  • • 303. AC VII, - The unity of the Church.