Connect Psalm 23:1 with John 10:11. How is Jesus the Good Shepherd? Text in Focus Psalm 23:1 – “The LORD is my shepherd; I will not be in need.” John 10:11 – “ I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” Same Shepherd, Same Identity • David calls the LORD (Yahweh) his shepherd; Jesus declares “I AM” the good shepherd, using the covenant name (cf. Exodus 3:14). • The Shepherd of Psalm 23 is therefore identified in the flesh as Jesus of Nazareth, affirming His full deity and fulfillment of Old Testament revelation. What Makes Him “Good” • Moral Perfection – “Good” (Gk. kalos) speaks of inherent excellence and beauty; Jesus alone embodies perfect holiness (Hebrews 7:26). • Self-Sacrificing Love – He “lays down His life for the sheep,” fulfilling Isaiah 53:5–6. – This surpasses hired hands who flee (John 10:12-13). • Covenant Faithfulness – The Shepherd never abandons His flock (Hebrews 13:5). • Life-Giving Leadership – He came “that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness” (John 10:10). Provision Echoed from Psalm 23 • “Green pastures” → spiritual nourishment in His Word (Matthew 4:4). • “Quiet waters” → the indwelling Spirit, source of peace (John 7:37-39). • “Paths of righteousness” → guidance into holy living (John 8:12). • “Fear no evil” → protection even in “the valley of the shadow of death,” secured by His victorious resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). • “Table…cup overflows” → abundant grace, fellowship, and future banquet of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Protection and Possession • Jesus “calls His own sheep by name” (John 10:3) – personal ownership. • No one can snatch them from His hand (John 10:28-29) – absolute security. Old Testament Promises Fulfilled • Ezekiel 34:11-16 – God Himself seeks, rescues, feeds, and heals His sheep; Jesus enacts each promise. • Micah 5:4 – Messiah “will stand and shepherd” in Yahweh’s strength; Christ stands risen, ruling, and caring. Ongoing Ministry of the Risen Shepherd • Hebrews 13:20 – “the great Shepherd of the sheep” equips believers for every good work. • 1 Peter 2:25 – believers have “returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” • Revelation 7:17 – “the Lamb will be their shepherd” forever, guiding to springs of living water. Why This Matters Today • Assurance – The same Lord who created the universe tenderly watches over each believer. • Rest – Every earthly anxiety meets its answer in His sufficiency. • Guidance – His voice in Scripture remains the clear, authoritative direction for daily life. • Hope – Because the Good Shepherd already gave His life, eternal life is certain and future glory guaranteed. |
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