Thankful for the Overflow: A Devotional Review

Sermon text: John 10:7–10

As we move into a season of gratitude, Jesus reminds us that thanksgiving is not limited to what’s on our tables—it’s rooted in what the Good Shepherd provides to our lives. From John 10, the sermon “Thankful for the Overflow” offers three powerful truths every believer can be grateful for: God speaks, God stays, and God supplies.

Point 1. Be Thankful That God Speaks

In John 10, we encounter a Savior who keeps on talking—even when the people around Him don’t understand. The Pharisees resist Him, the disciples are still in development, and the healed man can’t fully comprehend what God has done. Yet Jesus continues to speak.

Like a shepherd constantly calling, clicking, whistling, and making noise to guide sheep in the wilderness, God speaks to us until His voice becomes familiar.

God speaks:

• Through Scripture

• Through the Spirit

• Through worship

• Through community

• Through the quiet places of our hearts

If you find yourself confused, overwhelmed, or unsure this week, take comfort: your Shepherd is not silent. He speaks until you recognize His voice.

Reflection: Where has God been speaking to you lately—through His word, His people, or His Spirit?

Point 2. Be Thankful That God Stays

Jesus not only speaks—He stays.

In the wilderness, a shepherd doesn’t leave the sheep exposed at night. He becomes the literal “door” of the sheepfold, laying His body across the opening so predators must go through him to reach the flock.

Jesus does the same for us.

He stays:

• Through the midnight hours

• Through the danger we never saw

• Through the seasons where we feel alone

• Through uncertainty, grief, and fear

Many of us have testimony about “danger seen and unseen.” The sermon reminds us that sometimes the Shepherd handled threats we didn’t even know existed. He stayed awake… so we could sleep.

Reflection: How can remembering that God stays change the way you face fear or uncertainty?

Point 3. Be Thankful That God Supplies

Jesus declares, “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”The Greek word Jesus uses points to overflow—more than enough, surplus, running over.

Our Shepherd supplies:

• Joy overflowing

• Peace overflowing

• Purpose overflowing

• Grace overflowing

• Hope overflowing

Just as Jesus fed the 5,000 with leftovers spilling out of the baskets, God doesn’t simply meet needs—He exceeds them. The world, thieves, or spiritual “robbers” will drain you; the Shepherd fills you to overflowing.

Reflection: Where have you seen God’s overflow in your own life?

Conclusion: The Shepherd Leads—and Goodness and Mercy Follow

From the sermon’s closing image: the Shepherd goes in front of us, guiding our steps. And behind us? Goodness and mercy—following all the days of our lives.

Even when you can’t see them right away.Even when life feels uncertain.Even when you’re still running your race.

God has put goodness and mercy on your trail.

Reflection: What would living with confidence in “goodness and mercy following you” look like this week?

Additional Reflection Questions

1. In what areas of your life are you most aware of God’s “staying power,” and where do you need to trust that He is still guarding you even when you can’t see it?

2. What “voices” in your life make it harder to hear the Shepherd’s voice clearly, and what might you need to silence or set aside to listen better?

3. How is God inviting you to move from simply surviving to living in His abundance and overflow?

4. Who in your life needs to experience the overflow of God’s goodness through you—your encouragement, service, generosity, or presence?

Check out some scenes from yesterdays "Rep Your Jersey Sunday"

Joyful Noise Choir singing "Inside Out"