Sermon for Easter 4, 26th Apr 2026

Welcome sisters and brothers and peace be with you. MAY the words on my lips and the meditations in our hearts be acceptable in your sight O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. <Amen>

Messages warning us about “scams” seem to be everywhere these days. Scam websites. Scam emails. Scam text messages. Scam phone calls. Unfortunately people are still falling prey to these crimes. A few days ago I read about a man in Australia who had unknowingly clicked on a link in an email he received following a phone call that he thought was from his bank. The call sounded real. The email looked real. It all appeared so trustworthy, but it was a thief - quiet, convincing, destructive, and his bank account was emptied.

That man later said something that I found deeply profound. He said,“I didn’t lose my money all at once. I lost it the moment I trusted the wrong voice.”

That sentence could be the opening line of today’s Gospel.

In John 10:1–10, Jesus speaks about sheep, shepherds, gates, and thieves. At first glance, it feels distant from our modern world - but listen closely, and it becomes very personal.

Jesus says, “The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep - the sheep hear his voice - and they follow him because they know his voice.”

Then He contrasts this with another voice: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”

Two voices. Two paths. Two outcomes.

The question at the heart of this passage is simple: Whose voice are you listening to? <PAUSE>

In Jesus’ time, sheep were completely dependent on their shepherd. They didn’t survive by instinct alone. They survived by listening.

A good shepherd didn’t drive the sheep from behind. He walked ahead of them. He called them. And the sheep followed - not because they were forced, but because they trusted his voice.

Jesus is saying: That is how I lead you.

Not by fear. Not by pressure. But by relationship.

He knows your name. He speaks to your life. He calls you forward.

But here’s our problem in today’s world - - - there are other voices.Voices that sound convincing. Voices that promise security, happiness, success. Voices that say, “Follow me because this is the best way.”

And Jesus is very clear: not all voices lead to life. <PAUSE>

Let’s be honest—those “thief” voices don’t usually sound evil. They sound reasonable.

“Your worth depends on your success.” “You’ll be happy if you just have more.”
“You’re on your own, look after yourself first.” “You’ll all be safer … if …”

These often scream into our everyday lives, and slowly, but surely, they steal treasures from us:

Peace.
Hope.
Joy.
Purpose.
Trust.

Like that man with the bank account, we often don’t realise what’s happening until something precious is already gone. <PAUSE>

Into this narrative, Jesus then says something extraordinary:

“I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved.”

In other words, Jesus is not just the shepherd who leads, He is also the gate who protects and saves. <PAUSE>

Then comes one of the most beautiful promises in all of Scripture:

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Not just existence. Not just survival. abundant life. <Pause>

Now, abundant life doesn’t mean an easy life. It doesn’t mean no struggles, no doubts, no hardship BUT it does mean a life that is rooted in something deeper:

A life where you are known.

A life where you are guided.

A life where, even in difficulty, you are not alone.

It is the difference between being subjected to the rantings, bluster and nonsensical noise of the modern world OR being led by a voice that loves you. <PAUSE>

So how do we recognise the Shepherd’s voice? That’s the practical question, isn’t it?

In a world full of noise, how do we hear Jesus?

We learn to hear His voice the same way that sheep learn to recognise their shepherd, through familiarity. Through time spent with Him.
In Scripture, where His voice is clear and steady.
In prayer, where we recognise His tone.
In quiet moments, when we stop long enough to listen.

Then, over time, something remarkable happens.

We begin to notice that His voice doesn’t sound like the others.

It doesn’t accuse us - it invites, generously.
It doesn’t force us - it leads, gently.
It doesn’t confuse us - it clarifies, calmly.
It doesn’t destroy us it gives life, freely.

Let me say this plainly:

If a voice in your life is leading you toward fear, emptiness, confusion or despair - it is NOT the true Shepherd.

If a voice is drawing you toward abundant life, truth, peace, hope and love - it is Him. <PAUSE>

Today, Jesus stands before us and says:

“I am the gate.” “I am the shepherd.”
“My sheep hear my voice.” “I came that you may have life.”

This invitation from Jesus is simple, but profound:

Listen.
Recognise.
Follow.

Because in a world full of competing voices, only one leads to life and He is already calling your name.

I runga e te Ingoa o te Atua, te Matua, te Tama me te Wairua Tapu. <AMINE>