The Word at Shalom Pastor David Fleener at Shalom Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN

The image of the Good Shepherd is one of the most beloved in scripture. We may conjure a sweet, bucolic image when we think of it. But the shepherding image was often used as propaganda to legitimate a particular king or conqueror, portraying that person as a benefactor and protector of the people. How is Jesus a different kind of shepherd than any human leader? In an age of propaganda, how can we trust Jesus to be our Good Shepherd? Pastor David preaches “The Shepherd Who Dies” based on John 10:11-18. 

In terror, the disciples barricaded themselves behind locked doors. They had reason for their fear. Not only were they still in danger from the authorities, but a few of them had reported an empty tomb with folded-up graveclothes. Was Jesus back? And if he was, what did that mean for them? Would Jesus accuse them of having betrayed and abandoned him? Yet, when Jesus appears to them, he doesn’t give a word of judgment, but one of peace. How does this word of peace reach us today? How does Jesus break through our fears? Pastor David preaches “Breaking through Fear” based on John 20:19-31. 

Mark’s Gospel has a strange ending, with an empty tomb, a man in white, and terrified women. There is no appearance of the risen Jesus. None of the women say anything to anyone. On the surface, this is a deeply unsatisfying ending to Jesus’s story. But what if Mark’s Gospel has no ending? What if, instead of ending the story of Jesus, Mark shows us a new beginning? Pastor David preaches “The Beginning” based on Mark 16:1-8.

Preaching text: John 18:1-19:42

Preaching text: John 13:1-17, 31b-35

When Jesus enters Jerusalem, he doesn’t do it like a typical king would. He doesn’t ride on a horse. He doesn’t bring an army. And most notably in Mark’s Gospel, no one comes out from the city to meet him. Rather, he comes with his own rag-tag group of followers. How does Jesus’ ironic procession undercut the various idols we give allegiance to? How does the kingdom of Jesus differ from all human kingdoms? And how does Jesus’ procession confront us today? Pastor David preaches “Which Lord?” based on Mark 11:1-11 and 14:1-15:47.