4th Sunday of Easter Year B
Good Shepherd Sunday
Sunday April 18, 2027
Good Shepherd’s Care
The 4th Sunday of Easter Year B is often called Good Shepherd Sunday. On this day, we reflect on Jesus as the shepherd who cares for His people. He knows us and calls us by name. His care is steady and strong. This day invites us to rest in that care and trust His guidance.
The readings on the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B show how Jesus gives His life freely. He does not run when trouble comes. He stands with us. This shows us what real love looks like. It is steady and willing to give, even when it is hard.
This Sunday is also a reminder that we belong to a larger family. Jesus speaks of other sheep who will also hear His voice. We are part of one flock. We are connected to others who follow Him. This day helps us see that our faith is shared, lived together, and supported in community.
Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B (Good Shepherd Sunday)
- First Reading – Acts 4:8-12: Peter declared the healing of a man came through Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified but God raised. He emphasized that salvation can only come through Jesus, the cornerstone the builders rejected.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 118: Acknowledging God’s unfailing kindness, we find solace in His shelter, surpassing human or leader reliance. The once-rejected stone now underpins our faith, a divine act that fills us with awe. Blessed by God’s response and rescue, we celebrate His eternal mercy.
- Second Reading –1 John 3:1-2: We are already God’s children, loved deeply by the Father. The world doesn’t know us, as it didn’t know Him. In the future, we’ll fully become like Him, seeing Him as He truly is.
- Gospel – John 10:11-18: I am the good shepherd who sacrifices his life for the sheep, unlike a hired hand who runs when danger comes. I know my sheep and they know me. I also have other sheep not of this pen; they will listen to my voice, making one flock under one shepherd. I lay down my life voluntarily, with the authority to take it up again, as commanded by my Father.
The readings above are for lectionary cycle B. For other years see the links below:
4th Sunday of Easter Year A
4th Sunday of Easter Year C
I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:14-15
Themes for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
The 4th Sunday of Easter Year B, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, brings together themes that are central to understanding our relationship with Jesus and our identity as Christians. Here are the key themes based on the readings:
- Jesus as the Good Shepherd: The Gospel clearly portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, indicating His sacrificial love and commitment to us.
- Salvation Through Jesus: Peter’s speech in Acts underscores that salvation is exclusively found in Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the cornerstone of our faith.
- Our Identity as Children of God: The letter from John reminds us that we are deeply loved children of God, an identity that the world might not recognize but is foundational to our Christian life.
- The Universality of Christ’s Call: Jesus mentions He has other sheep not of this flock, highlighting the inclusive nature of His mission and the universal call to be part of one flock under one shepherd.
- Voluntary Sacrifice and Authority of Christ: Jesus’ assertion that He lays down His life voluntarily and has the authority to take it up again speaks to His divine authority and the voluntary nature of His sacrifice for us.
- The Role of Faith in Understanding Our Identity and Mission: The readings together invite us to reflect on how faith in Jesus as the Good Shepherd and cornerstone helps us understand our identity as God’s children and our mission in the world.
These themes invite us to reflect on the depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice, our identity as beloved children of God, and the call to unity and mission in the vast flock of Christ.
Resources for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
What Is Love? Lesson Plan
The What Is Love? lesson for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B helps young people see that love is more than just a feeling. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, shows love through sacrifice, giving His life for us. This lesson encourages youth to think about how they can practice this kind of love in their own lives, even in small ways. Whether it’s being happy for a friend’s success, helping a family member, or giving to those in need, love often means putting others first.
This lesson also reminds us that choosing love is not always easy, but Jesus gives us an example to follow. Sacrificing for others can bring real joy and peace, even when it is difficult. The 4th Sunday of Easter Year B invites us to trust in the Good Shepherd, knowing that He cares for us and helps us grow in love through daily choices.
Shepherd’s Voice Game
The Shepherd’s Voice Game connects to the message of the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B by showing the importance of listening to Jesus. Just as sheep recognize their shepherd’s voice, believers are called to recognize and follow Jesus in their daily lives. The game helps young people understand how distractions can make it harder to hear God and why staying focused on Him is important.
This activity also highlights the unity of the Christian community under one Shepherd. In the Gospel, Jesus calls all His followers to be part of one flock. The game reinforces this by encouraging teamwork and trust in the leader’s voice. It reminds participants that faith is not just personal but also shared with others who follow Jesus.
A Good Shepherd Maze Puzzle
The Good Shepherd maze puzzle reflects the message of the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B by showing how Jesus leads and cares for His followers. Just as a shepherd guides sheep, Jesus watches over His people and keeps them safe. This activity helps children understand that even when life feels confusing, Jesus is always there to show the way.
This puzzle also reminds us that faith is a journey. Like sheep looking for the right path, we may sometimes feel lost, but Jesus never leaves us alone. The Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B reminds us that Jesus knows each of us personally and calls us by name. He leads us toward what is good and true, just as a shepherd leads his flock.
The Acts of the Apostles: Cornerstone of Salvation
In Acts, Peter speaks to the leaders after the healing of the man at the Temple gate. His message on the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B highlights how Acts presents the early Church boldly witnessing to Jesus. Peter identifies Jesus as the source of healing and salvation. This reflects Acts’ theme that the risen Christ continues His work through the apostles.
Peter calls Jesus the cornerstone rejected by the builders. Acts often shows how God’s plans overturn human expectations. The early believers face opposition, yet God strengthens them to speak with courage. Salvation through Jesus alone is a central theme in Acts, showing that the new community is grounded in His death and resurrection.
Psalm 118: The Stone Once Rejected
Psalm 118 celebrates God’s saving help and enduring mercy. For the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B, it echoes the message of Jesus as the cornerstone. This psalm comes from a context of thanksgiving after deliverance. It reminds us to trust in God rather than human power. God’s love remains steady even when circumstances are difficult.
The image of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone supports the broader theme of God reversing expectations. Throughout the psalms, God lifts the humble and restores what was broken. Psalm 118 encourages the faithful to see God’s hand in surprising places and to respond with gratitude and joy.
The First Letter of John: Children of God
In 1 John, the writer reassures believers of their identity as God’s children. For the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B, this passage affirms that God’s love defines who we are. The world may not recognize this identity, just as it did not understand Jesus. Yet the community is called to remain confident in God’s love.
The letter emphasizes the connection between identity and transformation. Being God’s children means growing to resemble Christ. One day, we will see Him clearly and be made like Him. This echoes 1 John’s ongoing message that faith is lived out through loving God and one another, anchored in hope for what is still to come.
The Gospel of John: The Shepherd Who Knows His Own
In John’s Gospel, Jesus calls Himself the good shepherd, laying down His life for the sheep. On the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B, this image highlights John’s themes of relationship, trust, and life. The good shepherd knows each sheep personally. This deep mutual knowing reflects the close relationship between Jesus and the Father.
Jesus contrasts His care with the hired hand who runs away. His sacrifice is chosen, not forced. John’s Gospel often shows Jesus acting freely out of love, fulfilling the Father’s will. The mention of other sheep points to the unity of all who will come to believe. This passage underscores the Gospel’s message of life offered to the world.
Homilies and Commentaries for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
Three Qualities of a Good Shepherd
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in his homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B. He explains that a shepherd must lead from the front, walk among the flock, and care for those who have fallen behind. Jesus does all three—He leads us toward eternal life, stays close to us, and seeks out the lost. This example is a model for Church leaders, who must guide people with vision, remain present in their lives, and reach out to those who have strayed.
Bishop Barron also emphasizes that being a shepherd requires both leadership and closeness. A leader must know the way forward but also stay connected to the people. He reminds us that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, walks with us and never abandons us. The 4th Sunday of Easter Year B challenges all of us to listen to His voice and follow where He leads.
The Shepherd’s Voice
In his commentary for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B, Scott Hahn explains how Jesus fulfills the role of the Good Shepherd promised in the Old Testament. He gathers all people into one flock under the new covenant. His mission is carried out through the Church, which continues His work of teaching, forgiving sins, and making His presence known in the Eucharist. Peter, chosen by Christ, boldly proclaims this truth to Israel’s leaders, showing that Jesus is the foundation of a new spiritual temple.
Hahn also highlights that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we become children of God. Just as Israel was led out of slavery, we are led to freedom through Christ. On the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B, we are reminded to listen to His voice in Scripture and follow Him faithfully. As we receive His blessings, we are called to deepen our relationship with Him and live as part of His flock.
The Good Shepherd
In his commentary for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B, Brant Pitre explains how Jesus presents Himself as both the Good Shepherd and the gate leading to salvation. He explores the Jewish background of shepherding, emphasizing how shepherds personally call their sheep, a symbol of how Jesus knows and leads His followers. Pitre connects this to Old Testament prophecies, particularly from Ezekiel, where bad shepherds failed the people, but God promised to send a true Shepherd. Jesus fulfills this prophecy, not only as the one who gathers the lost sheep but also as the way to eternal life.
Dr. Pitre highlights that Jesus’ mission is not just about leadership but about salvation through sacrifice. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep, just as Ezekiel described God rescuing His people in a time of darkness. On the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B, we are reminded that Jesus is not only our guide but also the one who makes salvation possible through His death and resurrection.
Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
The 4th Sunday of Easter Year B, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, reminds us of Jesus’ deep love and care for us. The readings focus on His role as the Good Shepherd, our identity as God’s children, and the importance of making Jesus the foundation of our faith. Through His sacrifice, He offers salvation and invites us to follow Him with trust and obedience. This Sunday is a call to listen to His voice, recognize His guidance, and share His message with others.
The Good Shepherd’s Sacrifice
The Gospel for 4th Sunday of Easter Year B shows Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. He is not like a hired worker who runs away in danger. Instead, He stays and protects His flock, even at the cost of His own life. His sacrifice is not forced but given freely out of love. This shows the depth of His commitment to those who follow Him.
Jesus also speaks about knowing His sheep and being known by them. A shepherd does not lead from a distance. He calls His sheep by name, and they recognize His voice. This reminds us that Jesus wants a close relationship with each of us. He invites us to listen to Him and trust in His guidance.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of other sheep that are not yet part of His flock. He desires that all people come to know Him and be united under one shepherd. This is a call to welcome others and share the message of His love. The Church continues this mission by reaching out to those who have not yet heard His voice.
4th Sunday of Easter Year B challenges us to ask whether we truly listen to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Do we recognize His voice in our lives? Are we willing to follow Him, even when the path is difficult? His sacrifice is a reminder that we can trust Him completely. He will never abandon His flock.
The Cornerstone of Salvation
The first reading for 4th Sunday of Easter Year B shows Peter boldly proclaiming that salvation comes only through Jesus. He speaks to religious leaders who rejected Jesus, comparing Him to a cornerstone that builders had cast aside. Though He was rejected, He became the foundation of faith and new life.
Peter’s message is clear: Jesus is the source of healing and redemption. The man who was healed in this passage was restored through faith in Jesus. Peter does not take credit for the miracle but points directly to Christ. This reminds us that any good work we do should bring glory to God.
The idea of Jesus as the cornerstone is important. A building cannot stand without a solid foundation. In the same way, our faith must be built on Jesus. If we try to build our lives on anything else, we will not have lasting strength.
4th Sunday of Easter Year B invites us to reflect on whether Jesus is truly the foundation of our lives. Do we trust in His power to heal and restore? Do we acknowledge Him as the only source of salvation? Like Peter, we are called to share this truth boldly and without fear.
Our Identity as God’s Children
The second reading for 4th Sunday of Easter Year B reminds us that we are God’s children. This is not just a future hope but a reality now. God has claimed us as His own, even if the world does not understand this identity.
Being children of God means we are deeply loved and valued. It also means we are called to live in a way that reflects His love. When people see us, they should see the influence of Jesus in our lives. This is not always easy, but it is part of our mission.
The reading also speaks about a future promise. While we are already God’s children, we do not yet fully see what we will become. One day, we will see Him as He is and be like Him. This gives us hope and encourages us to remain faithful.
4th Sunday of Easter Year B reminds us to embrace our identity as God’s children. We are not alone or forgotten. The Good Shepherd knows us and calls us by name. He invites us to follow Him, trust in His love, and bring others into His flock.
As we reflect on the readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B, we are invited to place our trust in Jesus, the one who never abandons us. He knows us, calls us by name, and leads us toward eternal life. May we open our hearts to His voice, live as children of God, and build our lives on His foundation. In following Him, we find true peace and purpose.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who leads us with love and care. Help us to listen to your voice and follow where you call. Strengthen our faith so that we may trust in your guidance. Keep us close to you, and give us the courage to share your love with others. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
- How does Jesus show that He is the Good Shepherd in the Gospel reading?
- What does it mean to recognize and follow the voice of Jesus?
- How can we trust Jesus more when facing difficulties?
- Why is Jesus compared to a cornerstone in the first reading?
- How does our identity as God’s children shape the way we live?
- What are some ways we can help bring others into Jesus’ flock?
- Why do you think Jesus willingly laid down His life for His sheep?
- How can we strengthen our relationship with Jesus as our Shepherd?
- What are some distractions that keep us from hearing Jesus’ voice?
- How can we grow in faith and share the message of salvation with others?
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
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Held in the Shepherd’s Care
This image for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B reflects Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows and protects His sheep, as we hear in the Gospel of John.
It can be used in bulletins, newsletters, children’s lessons, or youth ministry gatherings to help guide reflection on His steady and loving care. You are welcome to download and share it for your parish or ministry needs.
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Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
Music Suggestions for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
For the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B, the selection of contemporary music and traditional hymns echoes the readings’ themes, focusing on the imagery of Christ as the Good Shepherd, the encompassing love of God, and the call to discipleship and community. The music for this Sunday invites congregations to engage with God’s care, guidance, and unfailing love, encouraging a response of gratitude, trust, and love from deep within the hearts of the faithful.
- Alive Again by Matt Maher
- All the Ends of the Earth by the St. Louis Jesuits
- Alleluia Festivalé by Janét Sullivan Whitaker
- Alleluia! Love is Alive by Steve Angrisano, Jesse Manibusan & Sarah Hart
- Because the Lord Is My Shepherd by Christopher Walker
- Christ the Good Shepherd by Bob Hurd
- Easter Alleluia by Jack Miffleton
- Holy Is the Lord by Chris Tomlin
- I Have Loved You by Michael Joncas
- I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by Ed Bolduc
- Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
- Lead Me Lord by John D. Becker
- Like a Shepherd by Bob Dufford
- Love Has Come by Matt Maher
- Open Up the Heavens by Vertical Worship
- Psalm 118: Alleluia by Bob Hurd and Ken Canedo
- Psalm 118: The Stone Which the Builders Rejected by Bernadette Farrell
- Psalm 23 by Ed Bolduc
- Psalm 23 (God Alone May Lead My Spirit) by Tom Conry
- Shepherd by Amanda Cook
- Shepherd Me O God by Marty Haugen
- The King of Love My Shepherd Is by Henry W. Baker
- The Lord Is My Shepherd by Carey Landry
- Ubi Caritas by Bob Hurd & Pedro Rubalcava
- Your Love Awakens Me by Phil Wickham
- You Satisfy the Hungry Heart
These music suggestions for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B beautifully encapsulate the essence of the scriptural themes, offering a mix of jubilation, contemplation, and profound devotion. With a focus on the pastoral care of Christ, the embodiment of divine love, and the journey of faith, these pieces serve as a call to reflection and celebration. This collection invites worshippers to immerse themselves in the celebration of God’s eternal love and guiding hand, nurturing a spirit of unity and faithfulness in the journey of discipleship.
Questions and Answers for Good Shepherd Sunday Year B
Why is Jesus called the Good Shepherd?
Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd because He cares for His followers like a shepherd cares for sheep. He protects, leads, and even lays down His life for them.
What does it mean when Jesus says He lays down His life?
Jesus willingly sacrifices Himself for the salvation of His people. His death and resurrection show His deep love and commitment.
Who are the other sheep Jesus mentions?
The other sheep refer to those outside of Israel who will also follow Him. This includes all people who come to believe in Him.
How does the first reading for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B connect to the Gospel?
The first reading speaks about Jesus as the cornerstone of salvation. This matches the Gospel, where Jesus describes Himself as the Shepherd who saves His flock.
What does Peter mean when he calls Jesus the cornerstone?
Peter explains that Jesus is the foundation of faith. Even though some rejected Him, He became the source of salvation.
What does the second reading teach about being children of God?
The second reading reminds believers that they are loved by God. Though not fully understood by the world, they have a future of being with Him.
Why does Jesus contrast Himself with a hired hand?
A hired hand does not truly care for the sheep and runs away when danger comes. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, stays and protects His flock no matter what.
How can we listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd in daily life?
Listening to Jesus means following His teachings, praying, and staying connected to Him through the Church. His voice can be heard through Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
What message does the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B give about salvation?
The readings show that salvation comes only through Jesus. He is both the Shepherd who guides and the gate through which people enter into life with God.
How does the image of a shepherd help us understand Jesus’ role?
A shepherd knows, leads, and protects his sheep. Jesus does the same for His followers, showing them the way to eternal life.
What is the mission of believers according to the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B?
Believers are called to follow Jesus and bring others to Him. They should live in a way that reflects His love and guidance.
The Shepherd Who Lays Down His Life
4th Sunday of Easter Year B reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who willingly gives His life for His sheep. In the Gospel, He contrasts Himself with a hired worker who runs away in danger. Unlike them, Jesus stays, protects, and leads His flock with love and sacrifice.
The first reading shows Peter boldly proclaiming that salvation comes through Jesus alone. He explains that Jesus, though rejected, is the cornerstone of faith. This passage reminds us that even when the world does not recognize Him, Jesus remains the foundation of our hope.
The second reading speaks of our identity as God’s children. Even though we do not fully see what we will become, we trust that one day we will be like Him. 4th Sunday of Easter Year B invites us to follow Jesus closely, listening to His voice and trusting in His care.
Your Turn
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls each of us by name. 4th Sunday of Easter Year B encourages us to listen to His voice and follow where He leads. He offers guidance, protection, and love, but we must choose to stay close to Him. His sacrifice shows how much He cares for us.
Take time to reflect on these readings and consider how you hear the Good Shepherd in your life. Do you trust in His care? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Let’s grow together as one flock under Christ’s guidance.