Compare John 10:13 with Psalm 23:1. How do they portray God's care?

Reading the Verses Together

• John 10:13: “The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.”

• Psalm 23:1: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

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Two Very Different Shepherds

• Hired hand (John 10:13)

– Works for wages, not love

– Flees at danger

– “Is unconcerned for the sheep” — literally has no care for them

• The LORD (Psalm 23:1)

– Owns the flock; covenant love drives His actions

– Remains present in every threat (cp. Psalm 23:4; John 10:11)

– Supplies every need so the sheep “shall not want”

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Contrast of Motives

• Self-interest vs. self-sacrifice

– The hireling’s first instinct is self-preservation.

– Jesus, the “good shepherd,” lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

• Temporary contract vs. eternal commitment

– A hired hand may quit tomorrow.

– “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6).

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What These Verses Reveal About God’s Care

1. Personal ownership

– “My shepherd” (Psalm 23:1) stresses intimate relationship.

– Jesus calls His own sheep “by name” (John 10:3).

2. Constant provision

– “I shall not want” covers physical, emotional, and spiritual needs (Philippians 4:19).

– The hireling’s sheep are left hungry and scattered (Ezekiel 34:5–6).

3. Courageous protection

– The LORD stays through “the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4).

– The hired servant runs when the wolf appears (John 10:12–13).

4. Costly love

– Jesus does more than defend; He gives His life (John 10:15).

– This sacrificial care guarantees eternal security (Hebrews 13:20–21).

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Living Under the True Shepherd

• Rest in His sufficiency — no circumstance can exhaust His supply.

• Trust His presence — danger may come, but He will never flee.

• Follow His voice — He leads to “green pastures” and “still waters” (Psalm 23:2; John 10:4).

When Psalm 23:1 says, “The LORD is my shepherd,” it celebrates complete, unfailing care. John 10:13 exposes every lesser shepherd as inadequate, highlighting the incomparable faithfulness of Christ.