Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A
Three weeks after Easter Day Revised Common Lectionary, Year A, the year of Matthew White and gold
Next read on .
The Gospel: John 10:1–10
Jesus describes a shepherd whose sheep know his voice, then calls himself the door of the sheep, who came so they may have life abundantly.
John 10:1-10
Most churches stand for the Gospel, and sing or say a short response before and after it.
The passage
1 “Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn’t enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. 4 Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don’t know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn’t understand what he was telling them. 7 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. 10 The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
The other readings
In the order they are read on Sunday, before the Gospel.
Acts 2:42-47
The first believers share meals, prayer, and all their possessions, and the Lord adds new people to their community day by day.
Read it here
42 They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. 43 Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together, and had all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. 46 Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
Psalm 23
A song of trust in the LORD as shepherd, who leads, restores, and stays close even in the darkest valley.
Read it here
1 The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the LORD’s house forever.
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
1 Peter 2:19-25
The first letter of Peter says Christ suffered without striking back, leaving an example, and that his wounds heal those who had wandered like lost sheep.
Read it here
19 For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God. 20 For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God. 21 For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, 22 who didn’t sin, “neither was deceit found in his mouth.” 23 When he was cursed, he didn’t curse back. When he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds. 25 For you were going astray like sheep; but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
A question to carry into the week
What is one thing Jesus says or does in this Gospel that you want to remember this week?
For your newsletter or sermon notes
These readings are told as stories on our sister site, Free Scripture, one scene at a time in plain words. The lines below are ready to paste. The next eight Sundays, and every story.
Fourth Sunday of Easter · Revised Common Lectionary, Year A · the same Sunday at the Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Scripture text: World English Bible, public domain.
A provisional alternative for this day
The Consultation on Common Texts has commended alternative readings to the churches for a three-year trial, reexamining passages historically misused to justify violence against Jews. The ELCA helped shape the work and encourages congregations to test it through 2028. The readings above remain the authorized ones. This is what the trial would change.
- First reading
- Ezekiel 34:7-15
- Psalm
- Psalm 100 (or Psalm 23)
God shepherding Israel, set beside the Good Shepherd gospel. Psalm 23 may be kept.
The proposal (CCT) Preaching guidance (ELCA)
Provisional alternative readings commended by the Consultation on Common Texts for trial use, 2025–2028. Citations as published in a worship resource copyright © 2025 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, reproduced for local, nonsale use.
Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org Used by permission.