A Shepherd Restoring Paradise
from The Social Jesus Podcast Hosted by Renewed Heart Ministries
John 10:22-30 The good shepherd imagery in the synoptic gospels is referencing verses like these in Ezekiel where the leaders were censured for becoming an oligarchy that fed themselves off of the sheep rather than caring for them. In Mark, Matthew, and Luke, likening Jesus to a shepherd meant he would gather those who had been scattered by the injustice of the Temple rulers who were complicit with Rome’s exploitation of the masses. The early Jesus community held this imagery dear. Jesus, to them, was a shepherd who would restore the flock “with justice.” The shepherd imagery wasn’t used to describe whisking people away to a distant heaven but to describe restoring justice here “on earth as it is in heaven.” It was about restoring paradise, with Earth as an abundant pastureland tended over by a caring and just shepherd. Today, we are to do the same work the Shepherd worked at: restoring paradise. Though this is ancient imagery, today it points to the holy work of seeking distributive justice for everyone, a justice that ensures each of us has what we all need to thrive and that all, regardless of our differences, would have “life and have it to the full.” For more go to renewedheartministries.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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