May 2, 2004
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Mindekirken May 2, 2004 The good shepherd John 10.22-30 During the winter, it can be cold and windy in Jerusalem. In the portico of Salomon where Jesus was walking in today’s text, there was not much shelter for wind and rain. But just as we celebrate Christmas at the coldest and darkest time of the year, the Jews had their feast, Hanukkah. According to Shammai, eight lights were to be set in the window, and they were reduced each day by one until on the last day only one was left burning. The Hillel tradition went the opposite way. Almost as we light our advent lights, the Jews lit one light each day until on the last day eight were burning in the window. The lights should remind them about the freedom of Israel. The celebration of freedom had this background; The king of Syria, Antiochus Epiphanes, governed Jerusalem during the years 175 to 164 BC. He wanted to introduce the Greek religion, something that caused strong resistance among the Jews. Finally Antiochus launched an attack on Jerusalem, and he forced the Jews to worship in the new way. Ten thousands were killed. Mothers who circumcised their children were crucified with their children hanging round their necks. The temple was violated in a gruesome way. The altar of the burnt-offering was turned into an altar to Zeus. They even offered swine’s flesh there. Due to this insult, the Jews rose up to armed resistance. Led by the Maccabaeus brothers they fought an heroic fight for freedom, and they got their victory. You may read about this in the two Maccabaean books which are included in some Bibles. In 164 BC the temple was cleansed and dedicated to Jewish service again. Hanukkah is celebrated to commemorate the victory and the dedication of the temple. It’s a celebration with a lot of gladness and joy. The situation at the time of Jesus was not quite similar to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes. Under the Romans, the Jews had the freedom of worship to a large extent. Even so, a dark shadow of bondage covered Jerusalem as Jesus walked in the portico of Salomon. Many Jews wanted to start a war to free themselves from the Romans. Even among the disciples some were in favor of armed resistance. Simon the Zealot was among them. Zealot means to be eager. They were eager to fight for full national freedom. Production of weapons took place secretly, tension was high. In today’s text a group of people gathered around Jesus. He’s standing in the middle of the circle, they will not let him go before he answers: If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly. We don’t get to know why they ask. Was it a trap by the Pharisees? On the background of the Hanukkah it’s more likely to think they had politics in mind. Maybe they were willing to fight for their country just as they did before the first time they celebrated Hanukkah. Did they search for a leader, a strong man with skills to organize the troops? Where might they find a new Maccabaen? Or where might they find the Messiah himself, the king of salvation who would set everything. If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly. Jesus gave them an answer. But I don’t think they liked the answer. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. Jesus refuses all invitations to become a leader of an army. They have misunderstood, they don’t belong to his flock, they will not believe in him. On the other hand, Jesus doesn’t deny that he is the Messiah. But freedom doesn’t come by war. My kingdom is not of this world, Jesus would say later to Pilate. After all, he is king. The leadership that Jesus offers is described in terms of the good shepherd. Psalm 23 tells how the Lord care for his sheep, he leads them to green pastures and water where they may find rest. The freedom in Christ can’t be described as political and social circumstances. Look at the church world wide. Christians live under quite different circumstances. Some are poor, some live under totalitarian regimes, but Christ the good shepherd is the same to all. Some experience disasters, sickness, problems in relationship or family, but does it make any difference? The care of the Good Shepherd doesn’t change. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for The good shepherd follows even there. God’s guidance is not a matter of an easy life, but a life dedicated to him. Some times we might feel we’re not able to go a step further. But Jesus is portrayed as the good shepherd who is able to seek the lost, the one who is unable to solve his problems. He is able to take a lamb on his shoulders and carry it home. The shepherd guides, he searches, and right before our text we even hear that he suffers for his sheep: I give my life for the sheep. The cross tells about Jesus’ love for every human being on this earth. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me, Jesus says. It might be scary to be known entirely. We have sides we hardly show others, maybe things we’re ashamed of. We may feel unsure if we’re worth to be loved. To listen to the voice of Jesus, means to hear that we’re valuable and accepted. It’s to hear the words of forgiveness, as we will after communion today. It’s to feel safe in life and death. That time comes when we all have to leave this world. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand … and no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand, Jesus says. Not even death can separate us from Christ. Hanukkah was celebrated because the Jews at that time could start worship again. They rejoiced for victory and freedom. It points forward to Jesus. Jesus is not an earthly warrier. He wouldn’t meet the Messiah expectations of his time. But though, under his leadership we’re led to freedom. It’s freedom from sin and confidence for eternal life. Jesus has given us a new service. We have access to God …and confidence through faith in him, Ephes 3.12. And we have the hope that one day we will worship in the kingdom of God as we read about today from the revelation: Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to God forever and ever! Amen. Glory be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one true God, now and for ever, amen. |
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