(1 Corinthians 2:1 MSG) 'You’ll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God’s sheer genius, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified. '

(John 10:10-11 NLT) The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.

(Psalm 100:3 NLT) Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

(Psalm 23:1-6 NLT) A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

• The Shepherd provides.

(Philippians 4:19 NLT) And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

(Psalm 107:9 NLT) For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

• The Shepherd restores.

(1 Peter 5:10 NLT) ... he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.

• The Shepherd leads.

(John 10:3-5 NLT) The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his voice."

• The Shepherd supports.

(2 Timothy 4:16-17 NLT) .. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety ...

• The Shepherd defends.

(John 10:11 NLT) .... The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.

• The Shepherd blesses.

(Hebrews 13:20-21 NLT) Now may the God of peace--who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood-- may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

• Know the Shepherd.

(John 10:14 NLT) "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,