Assurances from the Shepherd

The 23rd Psalm is perhaps the most popular passage of scripture found in the Old Testament. Believed to have been written by David in his old age, it is a song of comfort and edification of one’s faith in the “Good Shepherd.” Though it is debated between commentators that the psalm points to the Messianic promise to the lay person, the shepherd and sheep metaphor is easily applied to the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. In His teaching, our Savior did not spare the use of this familiar imagery, one of which we still easily understand today. Through the example of the shepherd and sheep, the Lord gives the faithful believer many assurances.

Here are a few:

  • Jesus has Compassion on Those Without a Shepherd (Matthew 9:36)

  • The Good Shepherd Gave His Life for the Sheep (John 10:11)

  • Jesus Christ is the Great Shepherd of the Sheep (Hebrews 13:20)

  • Jesus is the Saving Shepherd of All Mankind (John 10:16)

  • A Single Sheep is Worth Saving (Luke 15:1-7)

  • The Good Shepherd Knows Each Sheep by Name (John 10:3)

  • The Good Shepherd Watches Over Our Souls (1 Peter 2:25)

  • The Shepherd will Never leave His Sheep (Hebrews 13:5)

  • The Shepherd has Come to Give Us an Abundant Life (John 10:10)

  • The Shepherd has Given His Inspired Word to Feed the Sheep (John 21:15-17)

  • The Sheep will Find Themselves on the “Right Side” of Judgement (Matthew 25:32-34)

What a blessing it is to be a sheep of the Good Shepherd!

Jay Launius – 2022 Maud church of Christ Maud, Texas