Do You Follow?
Poem inspired by John 10, Isaiah 40, and Psalm 23
Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand.
—John 10:6 (NRSV)
Do You Follow?
John 10, Isaiah 40:11, Psalm 23
What I’m saying is— I am the gate, not to lock you in, but to keep you safe when you sleep. I am the shepherd, leading you to freely roam, ready to face the wolves. I know you, and you know my voice calling you by name. I am fulfilling my father’s promises— I will gather you, carrying babies in my bosom, walking with the mothers. I will lead you on safe paths, through dark valleys, to feast all the days of your life. I will journey with you through life’s wilderness to eternal abundance. Do you follow?
We read passages from John 10 on the fourth Sunday of Easter each year in the Revised Common Lectionary, paired with the 23rd Psalm. This is affectionately known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Leading Bible Study on Isaiah this year, I was struck by the motherhood imagery for God, which contrasts with (or compliments) God as “Father” in John (named 100+ times in John, 15 times in John 10, NRSVue). Depictions of God or Jesus as a shepherd appear in other places too, e.g. Ezekiel 34 and the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Matthew and Luke; passages in Hebrews, I Peter, Revelation; as well as Christian art and hymns.
Other poems in my series inspired by the Gospel According to John
Word with God (1:1-14)
First Sign (2:1-11)
Bride (3:29)
She Said by the Well (4:5-42)
Searching Scripture (5:39-40)
Chase After that Full Feeling (Ch. 6)
What was Coming (Ch. 7)
Free Truth (Ch. 8)
Waiting Room (Ch. 9)
Extravagant Scent (12:1-13)
Voice of Truth (Ch. 18)
Resurrection (Ch. 20)
Come Have Breakfast (21:1-17)
Q: What Good Shepherd images, melodies, or memories come to your mind? Email your reply or comment on the Substack app.