John 17:6-19
Jesus’ Prayer for the Disciples 
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A6-19&version=NRSVUE

For those who are following the lectionary, you may notice that I skipped ahead one week. Actually, I reversed the readings for this week and next week to fit what our church is doing for the current sermon series. I just thought I should explain that to avoid any confusion.
​
After Jesus finished his final, private conversations with his disciples, he turned to the Father and prayed for them. Intercessery prayer is a powerful prayer practice that answers our call to love and care for others by praying for them. Jesus models this practice in this scripture passage, and we see his heartfelt desire to protect his disciples.

In last week’s metaphor of the vine and its branches, Jesus illustrated the closeness of their relationship. We continue to see how intimately connected he felt to them by this intimate prayer. His deep concern for his disciples’ well-being is revealed. He refers to them as “those whom God has given him,” (v.6) which hints that Jesus sees them as gifts from God. They belong to him.  

Jesus also acknowledges that he has kept those entrusted to him safe and that not one of them has been lost. He takes seriously the sacred trust placed upon him to protect and guide them. This prayer shows his unwavering commitment to safeguarding his followers and ensuring their spiritual growth and protection from harm.

Jesus is not only concerned with physical safety but also with the disciples' spiritual well-being. He prays for their sanctification and asks God to set them apart for holy purposes. This reveals Jesus' desire for his followers to be spiritually strengthened and protected from the temptations and challenges of the world.
Jesus wanted to protect not only his disciples then, but all who follow him today. Just as he prayed for his disciples, he intercedes for us. He ensures that we are not overcome by the trials and tribulations of life. As we navigate the complexities of the world, we can trust that Jesus is watching over us, guarding us against harm, and guiding us on the right path.

Let us also be mindful of our role in protecting others. Just as Jesus cared for his disciples, we are called to care for one another and offer support, guidance, and protection to those in need. May we embody the spirit of Jesus, the ultimate Protector, in our interactions with others and ensure that all are safe and loved in the embrace of God's grace.
 
Reflection Questions:
Have you experienced Jesus’ protection before?
How does it make you feel to know that Jesus cares so much about your wellbeing that he prays for God to protect you?
Have you ever thought of yourself as a gift from God to Jesus? How does that make you feel to be a gift?
Does it make you think differently about your relationship with Jesus?
How can we care for others’ protection? What can we do to help protect others?
 
Action:
Do something that helps protect someone this week.

John 15:1-8
The Vine and the Branches
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-8&version=CEB

In the Common English Bible, Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you” (v.4). That seems so simple yet profound. I am reminded of a preacher who once said, “If you don’t feel close to Jesus, you have to ask yourself, ‘Who moved?’” It wasn’t Jesus. Jesus promised to always remain in us. If we don’t feel Jesus’ presence with us, perhaps we are the ones who did not remain in him.

I can attest to some truth to this. There was a time in my life that I did not want to remain in the theology that had influenced my life immensely. I had a curiosity to explore what else was out there, and I did not do spiritual practices that made Jesus’ presence seem close. I didn’t pray, attend church, read scripture, or listen for God’s voice. After attempting to live my life on my own terms, it began to feel very lonely. The preacher may have been trying to describe this experience.

During this time, Jesus still remained in me. It may have felt as if he wasn’t there because I wasn’t pursuing him, but Jesus still pursued me. That’s what Jesus does. He never pushes himself on us, but he stays. He remains in us. He continues to live and dwell within us. We just may not realize it because we aren’t actively seeking to remain in him.

To remain in Jesus is to stay connected to him and to be in a close relationship with him. It means living in such a way that his life and teachings shape our thoughts, actions, and priorities. Just as branches draw nourishment from the vine to bear fruit, we draw spiritual nourishment from Jesus to live lives that are fruitful and meaningful.

This is a central truth in understanding who Jesus is. He is so close to us like a vine and its branches. We are together with him as one entity whose purpose is to bear fruit. We must remain connected to the Vine to bear fruit. Apart from it, we can’t do it on our own.

Remaining in Jesus is so important that the word “remain” is used eight times in this short passage. In the NRSV translation, the word “abide” is used instead of “remain,” but it is also used eight times. The Message translation says it a different way: “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you.” When we make our home in Jesus, Jesus moves in to stay. We live with him as one.

Even when there are times in our lives when we move to a different place or are not intentional about spiritual practices, we can’t get away from Jesus. Once Jesus makes his home in our hearts, we can’t leave him, and he doesn’t leave us. He goes with us and remains with us until we return home. He is always waiting for us to tap in to our Vine for nourishment. And when we do, he will grow some amazing fruit in us.  
 
Reflection Questions:
Do you feel closely connected to Jesus, or do you sense a need to deepen that connection?
What are some practices that help you remain in Jesus?
Are there any areas where you struggle to maintain that connection?
How can remaining in Jesus help you love others more fully and authentically?
 
Action:
Take a moment to envision what a deeper relationship with Jesus might look like for you. What steps can you take to move toward that vision? Take one step this week. 
​

John 10:11-18
The Good Shepherd
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A11-18&version=NRSVUE

Jesus identifies himself as the "good shepherd." This metaphor is rich with meaning, conveying not only care and protection but also deep, sacrificial love. The image of the good shepherd is contrasted with that of the "hired hand," highlighting the difference between genuine, selfless dedication and mere obligation or self-interest.

Jesus, as the good shepherd, embodies the qualities of a true leader—one who is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. What good would that do? The shepherd could not continue leading or protecting the sheep if the shepherd is dead. The Message translation says that the shepherd “sacrifices himself if necessary.” The shepherd isn’t required to die for the sheep but would, if it was necessary.

The good shepherd’s willingness to do whatever it takes to care for and protect the sheep is what makes the shepherd good. This act of ultimate sacrifice demonstrates the depth of his love and commitment to those under the shepherd’s care. In contrast, the hired hand, motivated by personal gain or convenience, lacks the same level of devotion and is quick to abandon the sheep when faced with danger or difficulty.

In this passage, Jesus proclaims twice that he is the good shepherd. Other examples of good shepherds in our lives can be parents, grandparents, teachers, mentors, and pastors. These individuals emulate Jesus's example by caring for and guiding others with compassion and selflessness. They are willing to make sacrifices and go the extra mile to ensure the well-being of those entrusted to them.

On the other hand, the image of the hired hand serves as a cautionary tale that reminds us of the dangers of selfishness and negligence in leadership. Those who prioritize personal gain over the needs of others ultimately fail to fulfill their responsibilities and may cause harm instead of providing protection and care. They don’t make sacrifices if necessary.

In our world today, it is crucial to reflect on these concepts and consider the kind of leaders we choose to follow and emulate. Are we striving to be like the good shepherd, willing to sacrifice for the greater good, or are we more like the hired hand, seeking only personal gain?

Leading with love, compassion, and selflessness, let us strive to embody the qualities of the good shepherd in all aspects of our lives. Let us lay down our own lives in order to lead with love.
 
Reflection Questions:
Is Jesus a good shepherd to you? In what ways?
Who else in your life has been a good shepherd?
Who has been more like a hired hand in your life? How was that relationship different?
Do you see yourself as more of a good shepherd or a hired hand?
 
Action:
Write a note of thanks to a good shepherd who has done whatever was necessary to guide you, even if that letter is to Jesus.
 

Luke 24:36b-48
Jesus Appears to the Disciples 
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24%3A36b-48&version=NRSVUE
 
Last week, we explored the resurrected Jesus’ first appearance to the disciples according to the gospel of John. This week, we’ll explore Luke’s telling of Jesus’ first appearance. When they first saw Jesus, they thought Jesus was a ghost. His appearance must have looked more ghost-like, something from the spiritual realm. However, Jesus proved he was present in more than spirit-form because he ate physical food.
 
Once this detail is covered to prove that he had resurrected, Jesus begins to teach them about why he resurrected – and he used scripture. All the time they were together, Jesus used scripture and referred to prophecy to teach them. They had been taught the scriptures all their lives, so they already knew them, which would seem easier for them to understand that Jesus was the one who has fulfilled scripture.
 
Even with their knowledge mixed with their personal experience with Jesus, the disciples still didn’t quite understand. They were still “in their heads” until Jesus “opened their minds to understand the scriptures” (v.45). When we read and study scripture, we cannot forget the action of the Holy Spirit who opens our minds to truly understand. We can study the words, their various meanings, the cultural context, and even Hebrew and Greek, but we still won’t quite understand until the Spirit opens our hearts to receive the grace of understanding.
 
When it comes to reading and understanding scripture, it’s not just our efforts that will make us understand. It is our willingness to allow the Spirit to speak through our study and listening. The Spirit opens our minds through our hearts, so we hear and receive God’s living Word. Even though the disciples had knowledge of the scripture and firsthand eye witness of who Jesus was, they still needed their minds to be opened by Jesus.
 
In this passage, what Jesus opened their minds to understand was that he was the Messiah, the anointed one by God who came to fulfill the scriptures. He is the one who came “to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (v.46-47). His resurrection proves the final part of scripture that they longed for. They finally moved from their heads to their hearts.
 
Have you experienced the Spirit’s movement while reading scripture that opened your mind to understanding? Perhaps the words leapt off the page and spoke directly to your heart. Even when reading scripture that you’ve read your whole life, you were able to understand it in a different or new way. This is the beauty of Jesus opening our minds to scripture. The living Christ can give us exactly what we need to understand in that moment. The disciples needed to understand why a ghost-like, scarred Jesus was able to stand among them. They needed to understand what resurrection actually meant even though Jesus had taught them about it beforehand. The opening of their minds and their hearts by the resurrected Jesus is what brought them to true understanding.
 
Reflection Questions:
Have you known someone who is considered a bible scholar, but they still don’t understand the scriptures?
Which scripture do you need the Spirit to help you understand?
Where do you need Jesus to open your mind and heart?
 
Action: When doubts arise in your heart, pray for the Spirit to open your mind to understand.
 

John 20:19-33
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A19-31&version=NRSVUE 
 
The Easter story continues by picking up from last week, on the evening after the women discovered Jesus had been raised. The disciples were gathered in fear, in a locked room, and Jesus appears. Jesus greets them with peace. The first words Jesus says to them after the resurrection are “Peace be with you” (v.19). Three times in this passage, Jesus comes to them and greets them with peace.

This phrase may be interpreted as just a greeting, and many cultures use the word “peace” as a greeting. However, it’s interesting that Jesus says, “Peace be with you” to identify who he is and that he is there among them. He appears after the resurrection behind the fearful locked doors and announces that he is there with them and brings them peace. He shows his wounds and that brings them peace. A week later, when he returns to show Thomas his wounds, Jesus stands among them, again behind shut doors, and announces he is there by bringing them peace.

His peaceful presence just appears among a locked-down room that is filled with fear and disbelief. Locked doors or even closed doors cannot keep Jesus’ peace from entering and filling the room. As soon as the disciples and eventually Thomas see Jesus, his peace fills them and they rejoice and they believe. It is Jesus’ peaceful presence that causes them to believe.

Seeing Jesus’ wounds also cause them to believe that it really is Jesus. They don’t recognize the Risen Christ at first. He has to be known by his greeting of peace and his wounds. His scars identify him but also become signs of peace to show that his peace came from his pain.             

Now that the Risen One has brought peace to the disciples, he sends them to take his peace into the world. “As the Father sent me, so I send you,” he said, as the first post-Resurrection commandment. He greets them in peace, shows his signs of peace, and sends them out, to take the peace to all the fear-filled rooms, to all the locked and shut doors that people find themselves behind.

Jesus brings peace to fearful people and terrifying situations. He brings peace from the pain we endure. He places a call on our lives to share his peace with the world.
 
Reflection Questions:
Have you experienced the peace of Christ?
Remember a time when you were fearful or have experienced pain. Did Jesus bring you peace? If not, could Jesus bring you peace? In what ways?
How can you share the peace of Christ with others?

Action: Do one act this week that takes Christ’s peace into the world.