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We are coming to the end of this series on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. We have two more lessons and this week we will meditate on Jesus’ teaching in John 10.1-18. Here Jesus talks more about the cross and the presence of evil in the form of the wolf and the thief that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. This is the environment in which we live as followers of Jesus. This is the environment in which we speak about Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Despite all this, Jesus has good news for us and for His people. As you read and pray through this text, pray also about the opportunities that God brings to have you be a witness and tell the story of how Jesus met you with His grace and compassion. See you Sunday!

We have seen Jesus declare himself to be the Good Shepherd through His actions. He feeds five thousand plus people. He chooses compassion over violence and revenge when His cousin John is beheaded. He teaches the people many things, leading them in righteous paths. He stills the waters and leads the disciples to the other side of the sea of Galilee. These are right out of Psalm 23 and demonstrate that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. But now Matthew introduces another element, the element of danger and death for those who stray away from or refuse Jesus. There is a great mystery here in Matthew 18.10-14 but we are also given great comfort in Jesus the Good Shepherd.

This morning we have Pastor Steve Boctor leading us in worship. Steve is an author on parenting and has over 20 years of experience in leadership and speaking. He has a passion to challenge people of all ages and cultures to reach their fullest potential in Christ. Steve is married and has 2 teenagers and has been a Lead Pastor for 10 years. He is preaching on Isaiah 29:13-14a. The message is entitled "What Does the Heart of Worship Look Like?"

In our tradition we say that the practice of the sacraments, communion and baptism, are dramatic presentations of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Jesus practiced this tradition long before us as His actions are often dramatic presentations that declare who He is and what He came to do. We see this worked out in Mark 6. As we look at those events, we are going to see Jesus' work as the Good Shepherd relating to the events in Israel's history, picking up the themes of Psalm 23 and reframing our future in Jesus Christ. It may be a tall order, so read ahead in Mark 6:7-52 and let's come prepared to hear God speak to us.