God’s Goodness Is Big Enough (John 10:1–10)

Is love inherently generous? Explore this week’s Gospel reading and consider what it means for us today.

Each week, we post a passage from Sunday’s Scriptures; share links to resources that give context and inspire new ideas; and offer a few questions to get you thinking about what we’ll read together in church.

The Gospel for April 26, 2026

John 10:1–10

Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Read all of Sunday’s Scriptures

Step Into the Story

3 Ways to Go Deeper

Commentary

This seemingly stark parable — set amid controversy about the appropriateness of Jesus’s ministry — could be interpreted as an invitation to generosity. “It turns out God’s goodness is big enough . . . to manifest itself beyond law and tradition and social mores,” writes Jenna Smith. “The generous shepherd image lays a prophetic blueprint as to how the early church would understand and apply its ethos.” 

Poetry

Speaking of sheep, Psalm 23 is also part of this week’s reading. Take a look at this familiar passage — it’s the poem that begins with “The Lord is my shepherd” — through the lens of generosity.

Documentary

Filmmaker Christian Cargill presents a loving portrait of a Welsh shepherd in this moving and meditative piece from The New Yorker.

Reflection Questions

Take a Moment to Wonder

• Is love inherently generous?
• How does generosity disrupt the status quo?
• Is there an unexpected way you’ve heard the shepherd’s voice? How does God speak to you?