“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

Shepherds are mentioned many times in the Bible. Some of the most loved characters in the Old Testament cared for sheep such as Moses, Joshua and David. In the New Testament, Jesus depicts Himself as the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd and the Chief Shepherd. Let’s take a moment to explore the verses that pertain to these titles.

I have been savoring some thoughts from John 10, where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd! Here are some of the ways He tends His sheep:

v.2 – Jesus is the “gate” or “door”
v.3 – Sheep listen to His voice, He calls them by name
v.4 – He goes ahead of them, sheep follow because they know His voice
v.5 – Sheep run away from strangers
v.9 – I AM the gate, whoever enters will be saved and can go in and out and find pasture.
v.10 – The Good Shepherd gives life to the full-abundantly
v.11 – The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep
v.14 – I AM the Good Shepherd, I know my sheep and they know Me!
v.15 – I (Jesus) know the Father and the Father knows Me!
v.16 – I (Jesus) have other sheep not of this sheep pen, we will be one fold and one shepherd.
v.18 – I (Jesus) can lay down My life and take it again.
v.27 – My sheep listen to Me, know Me and follow Me
v.29 – NO ONE can snatch them from my Father’s hand!

The Great Shepherd
Hebrews 13:20-21 is addressed to the God of peace and is one of the most beautiful benedictions in the Bible. We have peace with God and the peace of God. Because of Jesus death on the cross, “the blood of the eternal covenant,” our Great Shepherd equips us with everything good for doing His will. He works in us what is pleasing to Him and He gets the glory!!

The Chief Shepherd
In 1 Peter 5, the shepherds of God’s flock are encouraged to tenderly care for those as overseers, “not because they must, but because they are willing, not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd (Jesus Christ) appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 1 Peter 5:4. When Jesus returns, He will reward those who have served as shepherds under Him. We don’t know if this will be an actual “crown,” but they will be amply rewarded for the tears, trials and sufferings they have experienced.

Christ as the Good Shepherd, gave His life for the sheep. As the Great Shepherd, He rose from the dead and bought our redemption. As the Chief Shepherd, He is coming again to reward His servants. We see Him as the Good Shepherd in Psalm 22, as the Great Shepherd in Psalm 23, and as the Chief Shepherd in Psalm 24.

Be encouraged fellow pilgrim!!! This is not the end. We have a glorious future and God has it all planned!

Your friend, Jean (a fellow traveler on the road of life)