Psalm 23:1-6

Such beautiful imagery is painted for us in the 23^rd Psalm as we get a view of the Lord who cares for His people as a Shepherd over His flock. As He nurtures, guides, protects, and comforts, we can understand the great Love that our Good Shepherd has for us. Our view of Christ, the Good Shepherd, however, must also take into consideration that a true shepherd does not merely point the way; he leads the way. This fact brings us to the great Truth that the Shepherd’s Life is bound up in the life of His flock.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

The title of “Good Shepherd” is one of Christ’s most meaningful titles. It may be difficult for us to understand the relationship between a shepherd and his flock. But in Biblical times, shepherds were known for their devotion and dedication to their flock. In a region inhabited with lions, wolves, and bears; tending to a flock of defenseless sheep became a hazardous occupation. If necessary, a good shepherd would risk his life to protect and care for his flock. (See 1 Samuel 17:34-37.) A good shepherd loves his sheep and will protect them with his very life.

It is true that Christ is the perfect fulfillment of the title “Good Shepherd” – He leads us in the Way of Truth; He gives us Living Water; He protects us from every device of the adversary; etc. But the single most important way in which Jesus Christ shows Himself to be our Shepherd, is in the fact that He willingly submitted to death for His flock. He has thereby obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12); and He has called us to Himself, as a Shepherd seeks to save His lost sheep (Luke 19:10).

“For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:25)

Jesus gave up His Life to give us eternal life; and nothing can remove us from the protective grasp of His hand.

A Good Shepherd not only dies for His sheep, but He also lives for them. Christ died for our salvation. Christ lives for our salvation. Because “he ever liveth to make intercession,” “he is able also to save” us “to the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:25).

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (John 10:14)

In regions with limited pasture and water sources, sheep oftentimes got mixed into other herds, mingling with other flocks. To separate them, the shepherd simply calls “…his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out… and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice” (John 10:3-4). They will not follow a stranger (verse 5). These things are indicative of an essential relationship between the shepherd and his sheep.

As Christians, we should know this same relationship with our Shepherd. Christ calls us by name, to lead us out. We know His Voice and we follow Him. We need to know our security in that relationship. Christ is our Good Shepherd, our Guardian, our Protector, our Life-giver. When we come to appreciate this wonderful work of Christ and humbly yield ourselves as sheep to follow Him, then we can rejoice with David as we joyfully say:

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalms 23:1)