**In celebration of the Installation of Pastor Karen Behling, Pastor Greg Kaufmann from the Synod office was present to preside today**
GOSPEL READING John 10:1-11
Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Good shepherds bring people to life through Jesus, but those who avoid Jesus are dangerous to the flock.
The holy gospel according to John the 10th chapter. Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] 1“Very
truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but
climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2The one who
enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper
opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by
name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he
goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5They
will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know
the voice of strangers.” 6Jesus used this figure of speech with
them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the
gate for the sheep. 8All who came before me are thieves and bandits;
but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate. Whoever enters
by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10The
thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life,
and have it abundantly.” 11I
am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.