The Good Shepherd: Devotions Inspired by Psalm 23Sample

The Abundance of Abundance 

By Derek Dunn 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:10–11 (ESV) 

As a young child, I had an illustrated Bible. I can still picture it: bright colors and detailed drawings, which made the Bible stories and sacred passages, along with their characters and settings, come to life in my young heart and mind. I will never forget it. Some of my fondest memories involve my mother reading to me from that Bible at bedtime. Among all the illustrations, the one that left the greatest impression on me was an image of Jesus holding a sheep. That is the first time I can remember having the thought that Jesus is both my Savior and my Shepherd. 

As I grew older, the image of Jesus as my Shepherd brought me to an important but curious conclusion: if He is my Shepherd, then that must make me a sheep. A sheep? Really? 

Here’s what I’ve learned about sheep. Sheep are cute, and sheep are wooly—both pretty clear observations, right? However, I’ve also learned that sheep are vulnerable and cannot care for themselves. Sheep need help getting back on their feet when they fall. They have no sense of direction and no way of defending themselves. Sheep are fragile and not made for heavy burdens. They are emotional creatures who respond to the sound of a familiar voice. Putting it simply: sheep greatly need a shepherd. Sound familiar? 

It’s no wonder the Bible paints a picture of us as sheep. In so many ways, we’re just like those tender, defenseless, and sometimes stubborn creatures—greatly in need of our Shepherd. 

Using the same imagery of sheep and the shepherd from Psalm 23, Jesus shares in John 10 that He is the Good Shepherd who has come to bring abundant life. In this passage, the sheep, representing us as God’s people, are faced with the imminent threat of a fatal attack by the thief, our enemy. Our only hope is that we would have a Shepherd who could rescue us from the attack. Yet amid the danger, we see that Jesus goes above and beyond what would typically be expected of a shepherd. Our Shepherd did not come just to watch over us so we can survive; He is truly the Good Shepherd who gave His very life so we can thrive. 

Jesus knows our weaknesses, and He knows we often lose our way—just like sheep. Yet in His compassion and kindness, Jesus still chooses to pour out His love on us and bring us into the richness of His presence as we walk with Him daily. What’s incredible is that our Shepherd doesn’t just preserve our lives, He gives us abundant, prosperous lives. With Him, we have more than just enough to get by. Because He fully laid down His life for us, we can fully live in abundance with Him. 

PRAYER 

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be the Shepherd of my life. I am so grateful You meet all my needs according to Your great love and glorious riches. No wealth or treasure in this world compares to the safety, peace, provision, and abundant life I have because of You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION     

• Read John 10:1–30 and notice how the passage reveals the significance of Jesus being our Good Shepherd. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in relying on the strength and security of our Shepherd.    
• Spend some time reflecting on ways you have experienced abundance because of your relationship with Jesus.

Holy Spirit, what are You saying to me today?

MEMORY VERSE

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Psalm 23:5