Scripture Scribbles: April 26, 2026
the Gospel
John 10:1-10
Jesus said:
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate
but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.
But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice,
as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has driven out all his own,
he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him,
because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger;
they will run away from him,
because they do not recognize the voice of strangers."
Although Jesus used this figure of speech,
the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
So Jesus said again, "Amen, amen, I say to you,
I am the gate for the sheep.
All who came before me are thieves and robbers,
but the sheep did not listen to them.
I am the gate.
Whoever enters through me will be saved,
and will come in and go out and find pasture.
A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy;
I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."
the scribble
This heartwarming Gospel focuses on two guiding images in our lives: Jesus’ anointed ones and Jesus Himself. His anointed ones are the shepherds, and Jesus is the gate.
How timely and relevant is the Word of God today.
Amid all the chaos and strife in our world, do we still know who the true Shepherd is? The truth is, there are many deus falsus—false gods—in our midst today. Some, after tasting success, influence, or comfort, become deluded. They begin to think they can replace Jesus. They grow greedy and intoxicated by pride. Power and popularity cloud their judgment. Not everyone, certainly, but some who receive these gifts misuse them. How, then, do we recognize the warning signs?
Powerful people. Those who seek authority for its own sake often desire more and more. Even a little power can blind a person into thinking they deserve everything. When leaders pursue selfish ambition or resort to violence to achieve their ends, this is a clear red flag.
The Lord warns us to beware of those who lead but do not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but climb in another way.
Popular people. Some crave admiration and constant affirmation. Their priority is gaining followers, not serving souls. They may deceive others into believing they are specially chosen to shepherd God’s flock. When religious leaders or communities practice what contradicts Scripture or God’s commandments, this too is a warning sign.
God wants us to be mindful of strangers who are skilled at sweet talk. They seek our trust for their own gain, but we, the sheep, do not recognize the voice of strangers.
Because we are aware of these deus falsus, we know whom to avoid. May we always be vigilant with the people around us, especially those who seek power or popularity above truth and service.
Jesus’ Anointed Ones as Shepherds
The true shepherds are those who lead us to the gate—the holy gate. Whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
Jesus’ chosen ones may be our priests, church leaders, parents, elders, or anyone who cares not only for our physical well-being but also for our spiritual nourishment. They guide us toward places where there is abundant provision, and where prayer, meditation, and worship are found.
Jesus as the Gate
What a welcoming image this is. We are the sheep of Jesus, and so we are all welcome to Him. We may be countless, yet He calls each of us by name. We are sinners, yet He forgives us. We are weak, yet He is our strength. We may even be the black sheep we hear about, but we are still His sheep.
No matter how lost we may seem, or how dark the road ahead may be, may we find the gate. And if not, then may the gate find us. Amen.
Today’s devotion was written by Edwina Yu
