Good Shepherd

When we read the first line of the 23rd Psalm, "The Lord is my shepherd", we immediately think of Jesus. But for the people of Israel the shepherd could only be God, or Yahweh. So when Jesus referred to himself as the good shepherd it was more than controversial - to many who were listening, Jesus was thought to be, at best, crazy, or at worst blasphemous.

To sheep, the shepherd is the provider, the guardian, and the protector - the ultimate hands-on care-giver. In John 10, beginning at verse 11, Jesus contrasts himself as shepherd with the hired hand.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. (John 10:11-12)

We are the sheep. And, although sheep are often thought of as less than intelligent, they know well the voice of the shepherd - and what's more, they are known well by the shepherd. While the wolf represents Satan, the hired hand is sometimes thought to represent the Pharisees. However, the hired hand might be any unworthy guide - anyone who seeks to lead, but is not willing to love enough to lay down their own life. Jesus did indeed lay down his life for us all. He is the good shepherd. He is Yahweh.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.