The disciples fled like hirelings, but then their lives were changed

The disciples saw the wolf and fled like hirelings, but Jesus the Good Shepherd faced the wolf alone, and willingly laid down his life for the sheep. He was crucified dead and buried. But then he rose from the dead and appeared to them and declared peace to them, forgiving them for their failure and guilt; and they became his witnesses. Not only witnesses for him, but witnesses of him. They saw him, handled him, inspected him, and believed. He was truly risen from the dead. And this changed their lives, and they were also ordained and called by his breath and the Holy Spirit. Now no longer afraid they went forth and preached. And now you receive their witness in this Holy Gospel. So let your lives be changed, having gained the same confidence as they had, believing  that he who died has arisen, and is forever the Good Shepherd for you. Sermon for Good Shepherd Sunday. The audio is here.