Fourth Sunday of Easter [A]

 


FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER [A]


We will begin by noting that the word “follow” appears twice within this set of readings. It shows up in this passage from the First Letter of Peter (2:21), and it also turns up in this selection from the Gospel of John (10:4). Who is it that we are supposed to be following? The answer, of course, is Jesus. Why should we follow him? What do we know about him? We know, at least in part, that he has been identified as our Shepherd (Ps. 23:1; John 10:11). We also know that he has been revealed to us as The Suffering Servant (see Isaiah 52-53). 


So if you follow Jesus, what will it mean for you? It means, first of all, green pastures. You will be allowed to settle in green pastures. After all, he’s your Shepherd (see Ps. 23:1,2). Additionally, in the course of following Jesus, you can likewise expect some measure of adversity. After all, he is The Suffering Servant, along with being our Shepherd (see 1st Peter 2:21-25). Therefore, appreciate that there are green pastures, just waiting to be had! But in the process of reaching those green pastures, you will have to undergo periods of suffering. 


Naturally, you are wondering if it is going to be worth your while? Will the advantage out-weigh the disadvantage? Those green pastures sound very desirable. You like the idea of having a place where you can rest and do some grazing. But you don’t like the prospect of suffering. You’re worried that the cost will be too high. You are getting more than you can handle, if you choose to follow Jesus. At least, there seems to be a voice speaking deep down inside of you, telling you that you’re getting more than you can handle. 


However, you’re struck by the pattern that’s being described in the Book of Acts, chapter two. As you waver about your own decision, three thousand converts are marching forward so that they can be baptized (2:41)! These are first century converts, living within the boundaries of The Roman Empire. They are putting themselves in harm’s way. It’s not just that they are going to be criticized and/or ridiculed; the opposition will eventually become severe and violent. And yet, as far as these converts are concerned, it’s going to be worth it. They will face whatever it is they have to face, for the sake of securing a place in those lush and verdant pastures. If there is pain involved, so be it. 


By way of illustration, consider the example of Wiley Coyote, of Warner Brothers fame. He’s focusing upon a particular reward: namely, the Road Runner. He is committed to pursuing that objective, whatever the cost. With each episode, he suffers elaborate instances of pain and suffering. Nevertheless, he is convinced that it will be well worth the effort. Unfortunately for the Coyote, he has chosen a rather elusive target. The Road Runner refuses to cooperate. The Road Runner remains on the move, out of reach. For all practical purposes, it is unobtainable. In other words, the Coyote might as well be chasing after the wind (see Eccl. 1:14). 


Meanwhile, we hear our Lord comparing himself to a gate (John 10:11). Gates, by their very nature, are fixed in place. A gate doesn’t shift its location, leaving you in a state of frustration or confusion. It’s not planning to run away from you. The Lord doesn’t want you to be left in the dust. He doesn’t want you to be denied access. He actually wants you to obtain your objective. He wants to see you, abiding in those green pastures. He understands why you are reluctant, when it comes to the subject of suffering. Even so, he’s calling out to you. 


The scriptures make it rather clear: the path of suffering is a path that has already been navigated. The Lord has navigated this path. He knows all about the experience of suffering. And he will be accompanying you, as you make your way forward. Furthermore, if it seems like too much to ask, try to remember the cost that he has already absorbed on your behalf. What do you suppose might be motivating the converts depicted in Acts chapter two? It’s all about awareness; being aware of what has been done for them and for the sake of the whole world. 

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