The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

OUR SHEPHERD

Psalm 23 describes God as a caring shepherd. Yet the job of “shepherd” is relatively unknown to the average person today. What exactly does a shepherd do? Why is God depicted as such? A cursory study of shepherds and sheep seems necessary to unpack the riches of the imagery in Psalm 23 as well as the psalm’s relevance to the New Testament’s depiction of Christ as the “good shepherd” (Jn 10:1 – 18).

One of the primary responsibilities of a shepherd is guarding his flock. Thieves, wild animals and the wandering inclinations of the sheep themselves mean that a shepherd must actively work to keep his sheep safe from harm (1Sa 17:34 – 35). Every night, a shepherd counts his sheep to ensure none have strayed or been stolen (Jer 33:13). If any of the sheep are missing, he goes out to look for them, discontent to lose any of those under his care (Eze 34:11). Not only does the shepherd tend to their wounds when they have been attacked, but he also “bind[s] up the injured and strengthen[s] the weak” even when their injuries or weaknesses are of their own doing (Eze 34:16).

A shepherd also meets his flock’s basic needs for food and water by traveling far and wide to locate viable sources. What may appear to be a simple provision is, in actuality, a strenuous undertaking. Leading masses of sheep to food and water often involves trekking across difficult terrain and enduring harsh climates (Ge 31:40). Shepherding requires fortitude, endurance and skill.

God is depicted in Scripture as the kind of shepherd who does more than provide food, shelter and safety; he even goes so far as to bless his flock. The entire thirty-fourth chapter of Ezekiel describes God as a good shepherd who will “send down showers in season . . . showers of blessing” (Eze 34:26). Truly the “cup overflows” for those who are shepherded by God himself (Ps 23:5).

Likewise, Jesus refers to himself as the “good shepherd” who “lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11). He is the Messianic shepherd hoped for by God’s people, foreshadowed by the psalmist David and foretold by the prophets. Jesus is the Good Shepherd worth listening to and worth following (Jn 10:3 – 5), the Good Shepherd who knows the name of every sheep and who died to give them life “to the full” (vv. 10 – 11).

Jesus, thank you for laying down your life for me. I lay my life down at your feet. I want to follow you every moment of every day. Amen.