Good morning all,
I hope everyone is staying safe and warm. It is always hard to imagine what it would like to try to survive outside in Minnesota this time of year. Prayers to all those who don’t have a place to stay and all those who help them.
We are off this week. But, for those who want to get a jump on next week – here are the readings and question(s) of the week for next Thursday. We are still in Part 7, Even a Blind Man Can See, in our guides. Read from Of Gates and Shepherds through Last Comment on Sheep and Shepherds in our guide. Our Basic Bible References will be:
John 10:1-30 (Jesus the Good Shepherd; and the beginning of Jesus is Rejected by the Jews)
Ezekiel 34:1-24 (Israel’s False Shepherds and God, the True Shepherd)
We have three more “I Am” statements in our reading. “I am the gate for the sheep,” “I am the gate,” and “I am the good shepherd.” The Lutheran study Bible notes that Jesus identifies himself as the gate through which to enter the sheepfold and therefore a relationship with Jesus. Jesus as the gate also provides access to pasture for the sheep, which means salvation and abundant life.
Our Question(s) of the Week is: Jesus contrasts those who enter through Him with those who seek another way. What are some “other gates” people try to enter through in life? How do they compare to Jesus as the true gate?
Hope everyone has a great week.
Thank you, take care, and peace,
Grace and peace,
Pastor Scott
St. John's United Church of Christ 
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