Have you ever noticed the way sheep are usually portrayed as being sort of stupid, bland, formless creatures, running away from the slightest noise or upset. Sheep are not creatures you would normally think about building a relationship with, loving even, and yet, shepherds seem to have a fairly strong reputation. They are seen to be caring, loving, brave, tender, the adjectives could go on. In fact, a good shepherd is reputed to be willing to lay down his life for his sheep, stupid and undesirable as they might be.This fourth Sunday of Lent, we will look at the shepherd, the sheep, and the Good Shepherd who does lay down his life for us his sheep through the words of Psalm 23.
