Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 8th May and for the week ahead:Scripture:The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10 v 24-27)Reflection:Some people see God in many places - in the dawn of a new day, a forgiving word, the birth of a child, an act of self-sacrifice or being in love. Others experience the very same things but see no evidence that God exists at all.A similar dynamic is found here when Jesus is asked to say plainly if he is the Messiah. He has already claimed to be the light of the world, the good shepherd and the bread of life. Jesus has given sight to the blind, fed five thousand people and healed the son of a royal official. If they do not believe his words, he says, then surely his works speak for themselves. How could he have spoken and acted more plainly?The accusers of Jesus may not want to see who he is, perhaps because he does not live up to their expectations of who the Messiah should be or what he should do. What expectations may blind us to seeing God plainly in our lives today? Lyn Hayes, ALM
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 24th April and for the Week ahead:Scripture:‘I have come that they (you) might have life, and have it abundantly.’ (John 10 v 10)Reflection:This verse comes in the middle of a story about sheep…. Jesus describes himself as the gate of the sheep pen, the way through which the sheep both go in to safety, and go out to graze on rich grass, carefully watched and protected. Jesus also calls Himself the good shepherd, the one who would lay down his life for his sheep. Here is a picture of the abundant life Jesus describes above, that can only be found in a relationship with Him. A stronghold of safety and protection; true freedom to experience the richness and beauty of God’s creation, and a place to dwell in love when all is done. Is this the life you have now…or is this the life you hope for? All hope is found in Jesus. Vicki Young
