The Good Shepherd’s Gifts

Scripture Reading:

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

I. He Gives Satisfaction

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” ().

A. Sheep do not worry about tomorrow.

B. Neither should we want or worry about the future. The Lord has promised to supply all our needs ().

II. He Gives Serenity

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters” ().

A. When the sheep become hot and tired, the shepherd makes them lie down in cool, soft pasture to rest.

B. Sheep are afraid of swift running water and drink only from still waters.

C. Sometimes we must be drawn aside to rest, meditate, and pray. The Lord gives us serenity.

III. He Gives Strength

“He restoreth my soul” ().

A. Sheep are weak, have poor sight, and a poor sense of direction.

B. The Lord restores our strength when we are wounded by trials or cut deeply by sorrow.

C. He leads us carefully when the way is rugged and dark.

IV. He Gives Safety

“I will fear no evil; for thou art with me” ().

A. In David’s time, the shepherd used a rod (a heavy club, two to three feet long) to protect the sheep from wild animals, and a staff (about eight feet long with a crook at the end) to reach the sheep that fell into ditches or crevices.

B. The Lord protects us from evil and lifts us up when we fall.

V. He Gives Sustenance

“Thou preparest a table before me …” ().

A. The shepherd dug up the poisonous plants and burned them—literally preparing a “table” for the sheep. He applied healing oil to the sheep’s wounds.

B. The cleansing, healing oil of the Holy Spirit is applied to our hearts when we are hurt or wounded.

VI. He Gives Security

“I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” ().

A. Everyone needs security.

B. Knowing that the Lord is preparing a home for us in heaven gives us security. Where He is, there we may be also ().

[1] Spray, R. E. (1984). “How to …” Sermon Outlines (pp. 62–63). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.