What is Good Shepherd Sunday?
Good Shepherd Sunday, observed on the fourth Sunday of Easter, draws its name and theological richness from Jesus’ declaration in John 10:11 (ESV): “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This day invites Anglicans to reflect on Christ’s role as the loving, sacrificial shepherd who guides, protects, and redeems his flock—his people. Good Shepherd Sunday is not merely a thematic celebration but an opportunity to explore the pastoral imagery of scripture, the nature of Christ’s care, and the call to emulate his shepherding in our lives and communities.
The Liturgical Context
In the Anglican tradition, the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and the Lectionary shape the rhythm of worship. Good Shepherd Sunday falls within the Easter season, a 50-day period of joy celebrating Christ’s resurrection. The fourth Sunday of Easter consistently features readings that emphasize Jesus as the Good Shepherd, particularly from John 10 and Psalm 23. The collect for this day in the BCP (2019) prays: “O God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice, we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” This prayer encapsulates the focus on Christ’s personal, guiding relationship with his people.
The lectionary readings reinforce this theme. John 10:1–18 is a frequent gospel reading, where Jesus contrasts himself with hired hands who abandon the sheep, declaring, “I know my own and my own know me” (John 10:14, ESV). Psalm 23, beloved across Christian traditions, is often paired with this gospel, proclaiming, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1, ESV). These texts ground worship in the comforting imagery of God’s provision and protection, resonating deeply in both corporate liturgy and personal devotion.
Theological Significance
The image of the shepherd is rooted in the Old Testament, where God is depicted as Israel’s shepherd (Ezekiel 34:11–16; Psalm 80:1). Jesus’ claim to be the Good Shepherd fulfills these promises, revealing his divine identity and mission. Anglicans, who value scripture as the primary authority in matters of faith (as articulated in the Thirty-Nine Articles), see in John 10 a clear affirmation of Christ’s divinity and his unique role as mediator between God and humanity.
The Good Shepherd’s willingness to “lay down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11, ESV) points to the cross. This sacrificial love is not abstract but personal—Jesus knows his sheep by name (John 10:3). This underscores the intimacy of God’s grace, celebrated in sacraments like Baptism and the Eucharist, where believers are united with Christ and nourished by his presence. The Thirty-Nine Articles affirm that Christ’s death was “a perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction” for sin (Article XXXI), and Good Shepherd Sunday vividly illustrates this through the shepherd who dies to save his flock.
Moreover, the Good Shepherd’s voice calls the sheep to follow (John 10:4). This as a call to discipleship, marked by obedience to Christ’s teachings and participation in the life of the Church.
Pastoral Implications
Good Shepherd Sunday also has pastoral implications. The Anglican Church, with its historic episcopal structure, sees bishops and priests as under-shepherds who reflect Christ’s care for the flock. The ordinal in the BCP charges clergy to “feed and provide for the Lord’s family” and to “seek for Christ’s sheep that are dispersed abroad” (BCP 2019). This day challenges clergy to examine their ministry, ensuring they emulate the Good Shepherd’s selflessness rather than the hired hand’s indifference (John 10:12–13).
For the laity, Good Shepherd Sunday is a reminder of their role within the flock. They are called to listen for Christ’s voice amidst the noise of the world, discerning his guidance through prayer, scripture, and the counsel of the Church. The imagery of Psalm 23—“He leads me beside still waters” (Psalm 23:2, ESV)—offers comfort in times of trial, assuring believers of God’s presence in life’s valleys. This resonates with the pastoral tradition, which emphasizes care for the suffering, as seen in historic practices like the visitation of the sick.
The day also prompts reflection on mission. Jesus speaks of “other sheep that are not of this fold” (John 10:16, ESV), pointing to the universal scope of his redemptive work. We are reminded of our call to share the gospel across cultural and national boundaries, uniting diverse peoples under one Shepherd.
Worship and Practice
In Anglican parishes, Good Shepherd Sunday is marked by worship that engages the senses and spirit. The liturgy often includes hymns like “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” or “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” which echo the day’s themes. Sermons explore the Good Shepherd’s care, challenging congregations to trust in Christ’s guidance and to extend that care to others. The Eucharist takes on added significance, as the altar becomes a table where the Shepherd feeds his flock with his own body and blood.
Pastoral care teams might be commissioned or prayed for, recognizing their role in tending to the vulnerable. In rural parishes, where shepherding is a lived reality, the imagery of Good Shepherd Sunday feels especially vivid, connecting faith to daily life.
Living Out the Good Shepherd’s Call
Good Shepherd Sunday is not just a day of reflection but a call to action. We are invited to embody the Good Shepherd’s love in our relationships and communities. This might mean offering hospitality to strangers, advocating for the marginalized, or simply listening attentively to those in need.
For individuals, Good Shepherd Sunday encourages a deeper trust in Christ’s guidance. In a world of competing voices—media, ideology, fear—Jesus’ promise to lead his sheep offers assurance. Anglicans are called to cultivate spiritual disciplines like daily prayer and scripture reading, tuning their hearts to the Shepherd’s voice. The BCP’s Daily Office provides a structured way to do this, grounding believers in the rhythm of God’s word.
Conclusion
Good Shepherd Sunday is a jewel in the Anglican calendar, weaving together scripture, theology, and pastoral care into a tapestry of worship and witness. Through the lens of John 10 and Psalm 23, Anglicans encounter Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows, loves, and dies for his sheep. This day affirms the Anglican commitment to Christ’s lordship, the Church’s mission, and the believer’s call to follow. As the collect prays, may we hear his voice, know him who calls us by name, and follow where he leads—trusting that the Good Shepherd will guide us to springs of living water (Revelation 7:17, ESV).