Jesus Our Shepherd

Background Scripture: John 10:1-18
Lesson Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Introduction

We find comfort in the presence of Jesus, our Shepherd. He is Emmanuel, God with us, and is always there in time of need. He leads us through this present world to deliver us safely to our eternal home. He is leading through difficult terrain and quiet vales, encouraging, watching, defending, disciplining, healing, holding, and filling our needs as his very own. Let us unhesitatingly respond to his authority. Our lives depend on Him.

Key Verse

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young (Isa. 40:11).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

This psalm was written at a time when the writer and his audience understood the relationship between shepherds and sheep. Because of the nature of sheep and the lack of fences, the sheep of that day were nearly always under the watchful eye of a shepherd. Sheep required the presence of a shepherd for protection and guidance, as he anticipated and prepared for future events. All shepherds are not identical. Fathers would send their sons out to tend the sheep. Some owners might hire others for the tedious work of tending their sheep. They might be gone for long periods of time, possibly for months. For some it may have been a mere duty; for some, a privilege. The owners of the sheep will have been keenly aware that the life and health of their sheep was vested in the shepherd.

The nature of shepherds vary as much as of any men. Under the care of expert shepherds, sheep are healthy, content, and robust. A disciplined, alert, and knowledgeable shepherd will gain the trust of his sheep. The shepherd who finds fulfillment in tending his sheep invests much time and effort in their care. He looks for ways to improve their lives. The shepherd whose interest is mainly in the wages he receives is a poor second to a committed shepherd. The sheep of an indifferent shepherd will suffer, at times devastatingly.

We get a glimpse of David’s faith, commitment, and contentment as he exults in his worshipful praise of the Lord in the twenty-third Psalm. As David penned this descriptive tribute, the Shepherd is lifted high: He is good, his provisions are without lack, and his leading satisfies. He nurses the sick, and the sheep are not fearful under his supervision. He is always present, and his expertise is faultless. He is aware of and anticipates the flock’s needs.

Practical Truths for Today

What does Jesus desire most to implant in the hearts of his listeners with the illustration of a shepherd and his sheep? Relationship surely would be paramount. Are shepherds and sheep on the same level? Are they of similar intelligence? God’s thoughts are on a different plane than ours (Isa. 55:9). Can a man reason with God? It is not possible. Sheep will simply follow their master even if he is a scoundrel. When we are not following the Good Shepherd, we are following an uncertain guide.

A flock of sheep will carry the mark of its owner. Ear notches, color dyes, or other symbols identify sheep. Have I allowed Jesus to mark me in his way so that I am identified as his property? It is one thing to claim Jesus as Shepherd and another to be committed to his leadership. Paul said, “Whose I am, and whom I serve” (Acts 27:23).

Just as shepherding is a full-time job for a competent, intelligent person, so the Good Shepherd gives Himself for his sheep. The Master’s sheep are content and have what they need. Are we aware of how our Shepherd is continually giving Himself for us? As sheep in an adverse environment, our lives are also susceptible to sudden peril. Only the Master’s keen eye and immediate presence can protect us, defending us from devouring predators. Inasmuch as we have been made to worship Him, we can become aware of his continual giving.

The Good Shepherd is well acquainted with each sheep. He knows the one who often looks for a weak spot in the fence, those prone to disease, and the belligerent ram that disturbs the flock. He is mindful of all, anticipating their needs. He labors to free us from aggravations, fears, and hunger so that we may rest.

Water for the sheep can come at great expense to the shepherd. Some sheep may drink from contaminated pools infested with harmful parasites even as the shepherd is leading them to a good drinking spot. We must follow Christ and allow Him to refresh us with the water of eternal life.

Sheep are creatures of habit. Left to themselves, they forage in their preferred areas and may well destroy that location. The intelligent shepherd leads his sheep. He knows well the paths, the fields, and the terrain that will benefit his sheep. With him, the sheep graze in areas they would not have chosen on their own. With good management, sheep can improve and build up the land.

A good shepherd anticipates the needs of his flock. On a drive to higher summer grazing, he will go days before and scout the route, eliminating poisonous weeds, gauging river depths, and much more. The way to the high country goes through valleys. This is the easier way for the sheep, and the grazing and water supply are better. Similarly, our Lord is always working, preparing the way. His eye is alert for predators. His calming presence allows the sheep to graze unperturbed. He is near, capable, and protecting. This pleasant grazing has come by his intensive efforts.

The shepherd’s rod symbolizes his authority. It is used to defend the sheep from harm. A shepherd may strike a sheep for its protection when it wanders, approaches poisonous plants, or nears danger. The rod denotes the authority of the Word. It speaks of protection.

Various parasitic pests may bother the sheep in the summer. These will trouble them so much their eating is hindered, they cannot rest, and in some cases will die. Oil applied to their heads gives relief, allowing proper grazing and rest. Some skin diseases are spread when they butt heads. The oil will arrest these also. We find that we, too, pass diseases to each other by the sharing of thoughts and ideas that are not pure. Contaminants of the world cause restlessness and may lead to death. We need the generous anointing of the Holy Spirit daily, if not hourly, applied to our minds.

Everyone goes through storms and trials in life. At times we get disoriented by the fury of the gale, the flood of the rain, and the blinding flashes of lightning, or we become confused in the swirling sweep of snow. We cannot discern where safety is. We strain and may hear the Shepherd’s call, but the wind distorts the sound. Panicking, we rush in the wrong direction. A wrong step, and we are off the path, helplessly stuck in fresh snow. Remember, the Good Shepherd anticipates the challenges of his sheep. He sees the storm clouds brewing. He does not keep storms and suffering from occurring but is in the storm with us. When his sheep suffer or are disoriented from a sudden storm or a dark valley, He is right there with us in every trial. He walks the meadows and the valleys, making sure we are fine. If some are suffering from cold or shock, He shares the warming promises of the Word.

We need to be committed to dwelling in God’s house. Is the church more confining than I prefer? The Shepherd longs to see his sheep contented, safe, and healthy. A healthy flock of sheep reflects the Shepherd’s labor of love and attention to detail. Does my life portray the benefits of being owned by the Good Shepherd?

Let us live in the awareness of God’s presence, listening for his quiet voice. We can be aware of the wider sphere—God is all around! We are surrounded by his presence. As our life harmonizes with the Lord’s, his guidance will bless us with vibrant spiritual health. Let us live subject to his scrutiny, opening our lives to one another. We will draw courage from each other, and our lives may be a drawing to others so they too may know Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Questions

1. Discuss: Christ does not care for us because of what He can get out of us. Christ cares because we are his.
2. In the Shepherd’s presence, are we able to compare ourselves with each other?
3. When we are restless under authority (parents, teachers, ministers, etc.), what is the problem?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).