The Good Shepherd

Psalm 23:1–6 NKJV

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

PRAY - PRAY - PRAY

We see in scripture that the Lord is our shepherd and I will pose the questions what do shepherds do?

They Protect

Psalm 32:7 NKJV

7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

Psalm 3:3 NKJV

3 But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

They are willing to die

1 Samuel 17:34–35 NKJV

34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.

John 15:13 NKJV

13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

John 10:11 NKJV

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

They guide

Psalm 32:8 NKJV

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

They supply for the needs

“He makes me to lay in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”

This gives the picture of supply. Our needs being taken care of by the our Shepherd.

Sheep are restless and need curtain conditions for rest.

They will not rest if they are afraid.

They will not rest if there is tension amount the herd.

They will not rest if they are anxious about food or thirst.

Fear, friction, or famine

John 6:35 NKJV

35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Matthew 11:28–30 NKJV

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Sheep will not drink from swift moving waters, but they will drink muddy or contaminated water.

Sheep do not swim very well and fear rushing water.

John 7:37–38 NKJV

37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

They are seen or heard and followed

Story of Peter and walking of water

Hebrews 12:1–2 (NKJV)

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

John 10:27–28 NKJV

27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

Psalm 16:8–11 NKJV

8 I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. 10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.