OPENING SCRIPTURE: John 10:10-14

THE THIEF does not come except to STEAL, and to KILL, and to DESTROY. I have come that they may have LIFE, and that they may HAVE IT MORE ABUNDANTLY.

“I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

I am THE GOOD SHEPHERD; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. (John 10:10-14 NKJ)

• The Greek word for good here is “Kalos”.Translated as noble, wholesome inside and outside.
• Jesus not only identifies Him as The Good Shepherd, He claims ownership of His sheep: “I know my sheep, and am known by My Own”
• We are His sheep and sheep can’t do much without a shepherd.
• The church: a family, a fellowship, a flock of sheep.

Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are HIS PEOPLE and THE SHEEP OF HIS PASTURE. (Psalm 100:3 NKJ)

Psalm 23 describes God as a GOOD SHEPHERD from 3 different aspects:  Provider, Protector, Promise Keeper.

 

#1 PROVIDER:

THE LORD is MY SHEPHERD; I shall not WANT. (Psalm 23:1 NKJ)

• From the original Hebrew text the word “want” means “lack”. I shall not lack.
• Because the Lord is my shepherd, therefore “I shall not lack”

He provides contentment and peace

He makes me to lie down in GREEN PASTURES; He leads me beside the STILL WATERS. (Psalm 23:2 NKJ)

• Green pastures represent a place of contentment, a place of satisfaction.
• Still waters represent a place of peace, a place of rest.

He provides restoration

He RESTORES my soul; (Psalm 23:3 NKJ)

He provides Leadership

He LEADS me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3 NKJ)

 

#2 PROTECTOR

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. ⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. (Psalm 23:4-5 NKJ)

• You are walking through!

He is with you in the battle: “For you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me”

He blesses you in battle: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

He refreshes you in battle: “You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over”

 

#3 PROMISE KEEPER

SURELY GOODNESS and MERCY shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER. (Psalm 23:6 NKJ)

• Surely means “with assurance” “with certainty”
• He promises: Goodness, Mercy, Eternal Life
• The word “follow” here translated from the original is “chase”
• God’s goodness, mercy and eternal life will chase you

CONCLUSION

• What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?