The Sunday Lectionary with Commentaries for Sunday, April 21, 2024: Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

 

The Sunday Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, April 21, 2024: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Guidance, Sacrifice, and Assurance in Faith

Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 4)

Introduction

In this thought-provoking compilation of biblical passages, we traverse a spiritual journey through Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23, 1 John 3:16-24, and John 10:11-18. Each scripture collectively illuminates the themes of divine guidance, the depth of sacrifice in love, and the comforting assurance offered by faith. Acts 4:5-12 presents the unwavering conviction of Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, as he asserts Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Psalm 23, a cherished and poetic expression, speaks of God's guiding hand and protective presence even in life's darkest valleys. In 1 John 3:16-24, the essence of true love is encapsulated through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, urging believers to show deep, genuine love to one another. Lastly, John 10:11-18 portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who knows His sheep intimately and lays down His life for them, offering a profound metaphor for sacrifice and protection. Together, these scriptures inspire a deeper understanding of faith, encouraging believers to embrace guidance, sacrifice, and assurance in their spiritual walk.

Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading
From the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 4:5-12
Salvation in the Name of Jesus

In Acts 4:5-12, we witness a pivotal moment in the early Christian community as Peter and John, arrested for preaching about Jesus’ resurrection, stand before the Jewish council. This passage presents the boldness and clarity with which Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks to the leaders, priests, and elders. He uses this opportunity to assert that the healing of a lame man, which catalyzed their arrest, was done in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter unequivocally states that salvation comes through Jesus alone, boldly proclaiming that 'there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.' This proclamation not only cements the centrality of Jesus in Christian faith but also highlights the early church’s courage and commitment to spreading their beliefs in the face of opposition.

4 5 The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. 11 This Jesus is

    ‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
        it has become the cornerstone.’

12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”

Expository Commentary

Verses 5-6: This passage sets the scene, introducing the formidable assembly of Jewish leaders, including the high priest Annas and his relatives. These are influential figures in Jerusalem, underscoring the gravity of the situation for Peter and John.

Verse 7: The question posed to Peter and John reveals the council's concern: the source of their power. This question is crucial, as it addresses the authority and legitimacy of the apostles' actions.

Verse 8: Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, speaks with confidence. This filling indicates divine inspiration and authority in his response, setting the stage for a bold proclamation.

Verses 9-10: Peter turns the interrogation into an opportunity to witness. He attributes the healing not to his own power, but to Jesus Christ, emphasizing Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. This is a direct challenge to the council's authority and their role in Jesus' death.

Verse 11: Peter quotes Psalm 118:22, applying it to Jesus. The metaphor of Jesus as the cornerstone rejected by builders (the Jewish leaders) is a powerful indictment of their failure to recognize Jesus' messianic role and significance.

Verse 12: This verse is the climax of Peter's testimony, affirming the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus. It's a bold statement of Christian doctrine, emphasizing that Jesus is the only path to salvation.

Overall, Acts 4:5-12 portrays the courage and boldness of the apostles in the face of powerful opposition. It highlights the central Christian tenet of salvation through Jesus Christ and sets a precedent for the apostolic witness in the face of persecution.

From the Psalter
Psalm 23
God our Shepherd

Psalm 23 is one of the most cherished and widely known psalms, offering comfort and hope to countless believers through its depiction of the Lord as a shepherd. This brief but profound text, attributed to King David, employs the metaphor of a shepherd guiding and caring for his sheep to express God's protective and provident relationship with His people. As the psalmist walks through valleys and faces adversity, the assurance of God's presence, guidance, and bounty provides a powerful message of divine companionship and trust. Psalm 23's timeless appeal lies in its evocative imagery and the deep sense of security and peace it imparts to its readers, making it a frequent choice for religious services, personal reflection, and times of distress.

1    The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2        He makes me lie down in green pastures;
    he leads me beside still waters;
3        he restores my soul.
    He leads me in right paths
        for his name’s sake.

4    Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
        I fear no evil;
    for you are with me;
        your rod and your staff—
        they comfort me.

5    You prepare a table before me
        in the presence of my enemies;
    you anoint my head with oil;
        my cup overflows.
6    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
        all the days of my life,
    and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
        my whole life long.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1: This verse introduces the central metaphor of the Psalm: God as a shepherd. The imagery of a shepherd in biblical times conveys a sense of guidance, provision, and care. The phrase "I shall not want" signifies contentment and assurance in God's provision, suggesting that with God, all essential needs are met.

Verse 2: This verse continues the pastoral imagery, depicting a scene of tranquility and abundance. "Green pastures" symbolize a place of nourishment and rest, while "still waters" represent peace and refreshment for the soul. The verse emphasizes God's role in leading one to places of spiritual sustenance and rest.

Verse 3: The phrase "he restores my soul" suggests a renewal or revitalization provided by God. The "right paths" are indicative of a life lived in righteousness and moral integrity, guided by God's will. The phrase "for his name's sake" implies that this guidance is part of God's character and commitment to His people.

Verse 4: Here, the tone shifts to facing adversity. "The darkest valley" (traditionally "the valley of the shadow of death") symbolizes the most profound and challenging trials in life. The absence of fear is attributed to God's presence. The "rod and staff" are tools of the shepherd, symbolizing protection and guidance, respectively, offering comfort in the midst of trials.

Verse 5: This verse changes the metaphor slightly, with God portrayed as a gracious host. The "table" signifies provision and abundance, even in the presence of adversaries. The act of anointing the head with oil is a sign of honor, blessing, and hospitality. "My cup overflows" suggests abundant blessings beyond basic needs.

Verse 6: The Psalm concludes with a statement of confidence and hope. "Goodness and mercy" are seen as constant companions in the life of the believer, a testament to God's enduring faithfulness. The final promise, "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord," expresses a desire for eternal fellowship with God, reflecting a deep sense of trust and commitment.

Psalm 23 elegantly combines imagery of pastoral care and divine hospitality to convey a message of trust, provision, protection, and eternal hope in God. It remains a profound source of comfort and assurance for believers, encapsulating key aspects of the human relationship with the divine.

Second Reading
From the Epistles
1 John 3:16-24
Love in Truth and Action

1 John 3:16-24 profoundly encapsulates the essence of Christian love and belief. It begins with the ultimate demonstration of love: the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins, setting an exemplary standard for believers. This passage challenges Christians to live out their faith through tangible acts of love, emphasizing that love is not just a feeling but an action. It then delves into the confidence we can have in God's presence, assuring us that if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God. This section of scripture further explores the relationship between God's commandments and a believer's actions, highlighting the indwelling of God's Spirit as a testament to our fellowship with Him. Through these verses, believers are called to introspection and action, anchoring their faith in love, obedience, and the reassurance of God's abiding presence.

3 16 We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17 How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?

18 Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19 And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him 20 whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; 22 and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.

23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.

Expository Commentary

Verse 16: This verse sets the ultimate standard of love – self-sacrifice. It references Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, defining it as the highest form of love. The verse then extends this principle to the believers, urging them to be willing to sacrifice for each other, embodying the same selfless love.

Verse 17: Here, the practical aspect of love is addressed. It questions the authenticity of a believer's love if they see fellow Christians in need and do nothing, especially when they have the means to help. This verse challenges believers to express love through actions, particularly in providing for the needs of others.

Verse 18: The Apostle John affectionately addresses his readers as "little children," emphasizing a tender, caring instruction. He urges them to express love not just in words or speeches but through genuine, actionable deeds. This reinforces the idea that true love is demonstrated through concrete actions.

Verse 19: This verse suggests that living out love in action serves as an assurance of one's alignment with the truth of the gospel. It helps believers to reassure themselves of their standing before God, confirming their faith and conviction.

Verse 20: John acknowledges that believers might sometimes feel condemned by their own conscience. However, he reassures them that God, who is greater and more knowing than our hearts, understands our true intentions and circumstances.

Verse 21: When believers live in a way that their conscience is clear, they can approach God with confidence. This boldness comes from living in alignment with God's will, particularly in loving others as He commands.

Verse 22: This verse suggests a correlation between obedience to God's commandments, especially those pertaining to love, and receiving favorable answers to prayers. It underscores the idea that obedience and living in a manner pleasing to God can lead to a fruitful prayer life.

Verse 23: Here, John summarizes the core commandments for believers: faith in Jesus Christ and love for one another. This encapsulates the Christian doctrine – belief in Christ and practical outworking of that belief through love.

Verse 24: The final verse ties obedience to the indwelling presence of God. It states that those who live out God's commandments will experience His abiding presence. The presence of the Holy Spirit in believers is highlighted as the key indicator of this divine communion.

In summary, 1 John 3:16-24 profoundly communicates the importance of love in action, rooted in the example of Christ, and its central role in the believer's relationship with God and assurance of faith.

Today’s Gospel Reading
John 10:11-18
Christ the Shepherd

In John 10:11-18, Jesus presents the powerful metaphor of the Good Shepherd, a central theme that highlights His dedication, sacrifice, and deep connection to His followers. In this passage, Jesus differentiates Himself from a hired hand who abandons the sheep in times of danger, emphasizing His unique role as the one who willingly lays down His life for His sheep. This allegory not only illustrates the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers but also introduces the notion of Jesus' voluntary sacrifice for the greater good. Moreover, it reveals the universal scope of His mission, as He mentions other sheep that are not of this fold, indicating His inclusive love and salvation offered to all, beyond the initial Jewish audience. This passage is a profound reflection of Jesus’ commitment to His people and His foresight of bringing together diverse groups under one shepherd.

10 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”

Expository Commentary

Verse 11: This verse is the foundation of the passage, where Jesus identifies Himself as the “good shepherd.” Unlike a hired hand, Jesus is intrinsically invested in the welfare of His sheep. The ultimate demonstration of His commitment is His willingness to sacrifice His life, which foreshadows His crucifixion.

Verse 12-13: Jesus contrasts the good shepherd with a hired hand to emphasize the depth of His care. The hired hand lacks commitment and abandons the sheep in danger, underscoring the superficial nature of a relationship based on duty rather than love.

Verse 14: This verse emphasizes the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers. There is a mutual recognition and understanding, a deep spiritual connection that goes beyond superficial acknowledgment.

Verse 15: Jesus here relates His relationship with His followers to His relationship with the Father, indicating a profound unity and love. The willingness to lay down His life is not just an act of sacrifice but also an expression of obedience and alignment with the Father’s will.

Verse 16: Jesus speaks of His mission’s universal scope. The "other sheep" refer to the Gentiles or those outside the Jewish faith, signifying that His message and salvation are for all humanity. This verse reflects the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry.

Verse 17-18: These final verses highlight the voluntary nature of Jesus’ sacrifice. It is not a passive submission to fate but an active choice made in alignment with the Father's will. Jesus emphasizes His authority and control over His life and death, pointing towards His resurrection.

In conclusion, John 10:11-18 presents a powerful image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, contrasting His genuine, sacrificial love and commitment with the indifferent, self-preserving attitude of a hired hand. The passage reveals key aspects of Jesus’ mission, His intimate relationship with His followers, and His voluntary, authoritative role in the salvation narrative.

Here end the Readings

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM, aided by ChatGPT. The biblical commentaries provided here are intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes only. The interpretations and insights offered are based on the authors' understanding and perspective of the Bible, which may be influenced by their theological training, denominational background, and personal beliefs.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org