Jesus told us in John 10 that He is our Good Shepherd. It’s more than a depiction, He said “I AM,” as in it’s an existing promise. I love that, don’t you?
I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me. John 10:14 NLT
I can relate to the helplessness of a sheep during times when I feel defenseless, scared and in need of no small amount of consolation. So remembering Jesus as my Good Shepherd is a warm comfort.
In this post, you will see 27 ways your Good Shepherd guarantees you’re thriving. May any doubt of it be dispelled.
Why Jesus Is Your Good Shepherd
Recently I watched a video on a new study done on sheep. In it they tested the sheep’s ability to recognize a familiar face. The study first began with training:
Training involved the sheep making decisions as they moved around a specially-designed pen. At one end of the pen, they would see two photographs displayed on two computer screens and would receive a reward of food for choosing the photograph of the celebrity (by breaking an infrared beam near the screen); if they chose the wrong photograph, a buzzer would sound and they would receive no reward. Over time, they learn to associate a reward with the celebrity’s photograph.
After training, the sheep were shown two photograph – the celebrity’s face and another face. In this test, sheep correctly chose the learned celebrity face eight times out of ten.
Sheep are often thought to be dumb. They’re not dumb, they just have a few specific needs. They need to stay together in a group to be safer from predators, graze for an average of seven hours every day, and survive much better with a handler or shepherd.
Jesus being the Creator of sheep, used them as a symbol of God’s people because there’s much truth we can glean there.
Jesus is my Shepherd; He’s constant in my life when others have failed (that’s an enormous comfort). He helps me know Him more by faithfully providing good soul food. And He encourages me to not forsake the rest of the flock because my chances for “survival” are much greater (Hebrews 10:25).
27 Ways Your Good Shepherd Is Helping You Thrive
The Scriptural passages, in Psalm 23 and elsewhere in the Bible, that relate our Lord to our Good Shepherd are rich with promises. They reveal the heart of the Father towards us. He takes us to a place of abundance and provides daily nourishment. Not only that, but He is qualified to be your Good Shepherd because He willingly laid down His life for you (John 10:11, 14-18).
- Makes you rest in green meadows (Psalm 23:2)
- Leads you beside peaceful streams (Psalm 23:2)
- Renews your strength (Psalm 23:3)
- Guides you along right paths (Psalm 23:3)
- Is close beside you (Psalm 23:4)
- Protects you (Psalm 23:4)
- Comforts you (Psalm 23:4)
- Prepares a feast for you in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23:5)
- Anoints your head with oil (Psalm 23:5)
- Causes your cup to overflow with blessings (Psalm 23:5)
- Prepares a place for you live in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm 23:6)
- Speaks to you (John 10:27)
- Leads you (John 10:3, 27)
- Gives you secure eternal life (John 10:28)
- Doesn’t want you to perish eternally (Matthew 18:12-14)
- Takes on your iniquity (Isaiah 53:6)
- Feeds you (Isaiah 40:11)
- Gathers you (Isaiah 40:11)
- Carries you (Isaiah 40:11)
- Gives His life (John 10:11,15,17-18)
- Knows you (John 10:14)
- Promises you know Him (John 10:14)
- Calls you by name (John 10:3)
- Goes before you (John 10:4)
- Promises you know His voice (John 10:4-5)
- Saves you (John 10:9)
- Provides abundant life (John 10:10)
Reflection
Look at that list again and ask the questions:
What does the Shepherd do?
What do the sheep do?
You could even write two columns in your journal and fill them in as “His job” and “my job.”
As your Good Shepherd, Jesus is good to provide nourishment and show you how He loves you in multiple ways. Everything God has for you is good.
My prayer for you today is straight from Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV…
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
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Rebecca Jones says
May 8, 2018 at 1:30 pmI did a week of studying sheep and got a link to quite an education, they need that oil to protect them and if they get over on their back and can get up, well, worst case scenario. I suppose you are right that sheep aren’t as dumb as people think, especially if they learn who to follow.
kellyrbaker says
May 8, 2018 at 8:14 pmYes they are interesting to study. Thanks for your visit, Rebecca!
Diana says
May 8, 2018 at 7:16 pmI love all of the 27 but what stands out for me is the one where the Good Shepherd calls me by my name 🙂
Amongst the million and the trillion , He calls me by my name 🙂
Blessings my friend ❤️
kellyrbaker says
May 8, 2018 at 8:15 pmYes, that is precious! Always a pleasure seeing you here, friend! 🙂
sarahgirl3 says
May 10, 2018 at 7:33 amClose beside me is probably the one I relate to the most. I get lonely and need my Jesus.
Actually, when I was little, I didn’t want to go to sleep when my parents had friends over. My Mom told me Jesus was with me. I said, “I love Jesus, but I need people.” 🙂
kellyrbaker says
May 10, 2018 at 8:46 pmSo true that we need people, Sarah. That’s us “sheep” being ergonomic. 😉
Meghan Weyerbacher says
May 10, 2018 at 10:02 amHe leads me beside peaceful streams – yes!
Loved this informative post, Kelly.
kellyrbaker says
May 10, 2018 at 8:47 pmYes, peace, thank God. 🙂 Great to see you here, friend!
Susan says
August 7, 2018 at 9:11 pmHow do I download the free journal page?
kellyrbaker says
August 7, 2018 at 9:14 pmHi Susan! Just click the “sign up to receive access” link under the graphic!