Sheep

Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Lectionary Cycle: Year A, Fourth Sunday of Easter
Source: Revised Common Lectionary - Vanderbilt Divinity Library

Scripture Readings

• John 10:1-10: "I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture."
• Acts 2:42-47: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
• Psalm 23: "He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake."
• 1 Peter 2:19-25: "For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls."

Reflection

In John 10, Jesus states that the sheep follow the shepherd because "they know his voice." In a modern context, identifying which voice to listen to can be a significant challenge. Between the persistent noise of global news, digital notifications, and internal anxieties, the Shepherd’s voice often feels distant.

Jesus offers a distinct form of leadership by identifying himself as "the gate." He does not direct from a distance; he stands within the complexities of daily life to provide protection, boundaries, and sustenance. He calls each individual by name, addressing the specific needs of everyday people:

• The youth struggling with choices and seeking firm, loving boundaries.
• The individual recovering from the sudden trauma of an accident, facing a long road to physical and emotional healing.
• The friend or neighbor relying on the strength of a community to navigate a personal crisis.

The early church in Acts 2 provides a model for this "flock." They devoted themselves to fellowship and the breaking of bread, creating a community of profound care where burdens were shared. The "fold" is not a place of restriction, but a support system where the community rallies when one member is hurting.

The Good Shepherd does not promise a life exempt from the "valley of the shadow of death." Instead, the promise is that within that valley, His voice provides guidance, His presence provides comfort, and His community walks alongside those in need.

Prayer

Shepherd God, we gather because we recognize your voice. From different paths and carrying different burdens, we come together as your flock. Lead us today. Restore what is worn down within us. Teach us, feed us, and send us out to live the abundant life you promised. In the name of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Amen.