The Good Shepherd

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

4 Even 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 overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.” ESV

Psalm 23, written by David the shepherd boy, is the most popular psalm in the Bible, and has inspired many to write wonderful sermons on it. Being a shepherd is a hard job and a lonely life. The sheep are entirely dependent on the Shepherd for their sustenance, safety and welfare.

I recently found a family member watching a video on YouTube. It was about a Goat herd from Iran. He had over 500 goats in his care, and he was the only one in charge. He travelled with them through rocky and perilous terrain, guiding and controlling his herd. They listened to his voice, as he controlled and guided them. Sometimes, the goats stayed on a steep and dangerous incline on the mountains. He told them to stay still and they obeyed him!

Being a goat herd is a very lonely job, as he had no-one to talk to. He was left at the mercy of the elements, and he was with his animals, day and night. However, what impressed me the most was that when it was time for him to eat, he first of all led his herd to a pool of water and got them all well situated. Then, he got out his own food from his bag, made a fire and cooked his food. He even made some tea to go with his meal!

A Shepherd’s job is also similar to that of the Goat herd, but it’s probably more challenging because of the nature of sheep. They are timid animals and are easily scared. They tend to wander off at times, so the Shepherd must always be at alert to ensure that he does not lose any of his flock. Also, sheep cannot drink from fast flowing or noisy rivers. So the Shepherd has to look for quiet and still waters, so that they can gently take their fill from cool, quiet waters.

There are several examples of a good shepherd in the Bible. However, the ultimate Good Shepherd is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He himself says so in John 10:11 and 14, when he said:

“ I am the good shepherd.”

Jesus loves us so much that he laid down his life for us. In John 10: 1-18: Jesus told us the characteristics of a Good Shepherd and a Bad Shepherd. He says:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” ESV