It was an absolutely ridiculous question. Christ had already told them time and again. But his response was calm and to the point this time. “I did tell you,” he said, “but you do not believe.” He added that all his miracles gave them proof that he was the chosen one of God. He healed the sick, fed thousands of people, and raised others from dead – all in the name of his Father. But yet, in spite of all his words and actions, they did not believe. And thus, they would not receive the blessings of his perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection.

We can shake our heads at these foolish people all we want – and at those around us who won’t believe in Jesus. But the reality of it is that we can take no credit for our believing. We were dead in our sins and enemies of God. All of that was the direct result of our sins. Being born with sin, which was passed down from Adam and Eve, we were destined for hell. Having repeatedly and blatantly ignored the will of God we were blinded to Christ. Nothing good lived in us that we could choose God. Our sinful hearts and minds made us bitter foes of the Almighty.

And so we can take no credit for believing. Our faith is a gift of God brought to us through the Word and through our baptisms. Only through the gospel is the realization brought into our hearts that Christ Jesus lived a perfect life as our substitute and willingly sacrificed himself as the Lamb of God on the cross. Only through the Word can we believe that Jesus rose from the dead and gives us eternal life in heaven. Only by the means of grace can we have faith. Only by Word and Sacrament can we believe that the Lamb of God is our Good Shepherd and we are his sheep. Thank the Lord for this because the Good Shepherd blesses his sheep.

Jesus told the Jewish leaders who cornered him that day exactly how he blesses his sheep. First he said that he knows his sheep. This is an intimate and special relationship we have with Jesus. We know his voice when calls to us in the Word. His voice soothes and comforts our aching souls. His voice cheers us when we are sad. His voice leads us when we are lost. And the Good Shepherd knows every single one of his sheep. He recognizes us as his own. He understands our ways. The beautiful, loving relationship between us, his sheep, and Jesus, the Good Shepherd leads us also to follow Jesus. We want to stay close to him because he takes us to green pastures and quiet waters, he guides us on the paths of righteousness, and he makes our cups overflow. May we all obediently, gratefully, and lovingly continue to follow the Good Shepherd for we have been blessed with a very special relationship.

The second blessing that the Good Shepherd reveals comes through that special relationship. Jesus told the Jewish leaders, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” In this season of Easter, our alleluias ring out with great joy. Christ has risen and the Good Shepherd’s sheep shall rise also to live with him in heaven. As his sheep we can say with King David, “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” And we can sing our hymn of joy, “He lives and grants me daily breath; He lives, and I shall conquer death; He lives my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there.”

Oh the joy of knowing that heaven is our home. What a blessing the Good Shepherd gives us in the gift of eternal life. How desperately our souls long to be there with our Lord. No more tears. No more heartache. No more pain and sorrow. It will be pure joy when we can sing the Good Shepherd’s praises in our robes of white with all Jesus’ sheep, with all the saints.

And until we reach our heavenly home the last blessing that the Good Shepherd promises in this Scripture lesson is that he will keep us safe. Yes, the Good Shepherd promises that no one can snatch his sheep out of his hand. He backs that up by saying that no one can take his sheep out the Father’s hand because they are one. The almighty power of the God protects you. No one, not even the devil, can harm you. You are part of his flock. You are under his care and protection.

What a comfort this is for us as Christians living in this troubled world. At a time when our nation is at war, when gunmen unleash their terror on innocent people, when the temptations of the world attack us day after day, we have the knowledge and reassurance that the Good Shepherd is watching over us. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil.” The Good Shepherd’s rod and staff comfort us. His Holy Word calms us. His body and blood strengthen us.

What tremendous blessings we have as the Good Shepherd’s sheep. Don’t lose sight of those blessings. They are a life preserver when we are drowning. Hear the voice of the Good Shepherd often. When you come to God’s house, make it your routine to come to worship and Bible study. Fill up your tank so that it is full and so that you can face the week ahead you with boldness and confidence.

Also, follow the Good Shepherd. Be obedient to his will. In a world that teaches us to say, “I don’t have to listen to you,” stand out from the crowd and listen to Jesus. It is one thing to sing his praises here in church, it is another to live everyday singing his praises with your words and actions all week long.

And cherish the gift of eternal life that has been given to you by the Good Shepherd. Make it your true treasure. With the comforting knowledge that you will be in heaven for all eternity, you will learn true contentment in this world.

And then finally as you walk through this valley of life, rest assured that the Good Shepherd is keeping you safe. Many of you have faced some pretty difficult days in your life. Some of you have wandered away from the flock at times. Just know that the Good Shepherd lifts you up in his arms and he carries you. He will keep you safe. And he proved it by living, dying, and rising for you. Amen.