Jesus the Good Shepherd: A Sermon on Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34
Introduction
The imagery of a shepherd and his sheep is one of the most tender and powerful metaphors in Scripture. It speaks of guidance, provision, protection, and intimate care. Both Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34 paint a vivid picture of God as the Shepherd of His people. In the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself to be the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), fulfilling the prophetic promises of the Old Testament.
Today, we will explore the depth of this beautiful truth by examining Psalm 23:1–6 and Ezekiel 34:11–24, seeing how Jesus perfectly embodies the role of the Good Shepherd who leads, feeds, protects, and ultimately lays down His life for His sheep.
1. The Lord as Shepherd in Psalm 23
A. "The Lord Is My Shepherd; I Shall Not Want" (v. 1)
David, a shepherd himself, begins this beloved psalm with a personal confession: "The Lord is my shepherd." This is not just a general statement about God’s care for Israel; it is an intimate declaration of trust.
A Shepherd’s Provision – Sheep are entirely dependent on their shepherd for food, water, and safety. When David says, "I shall not want," he is expressing confidence that God will supply all his needs (Philippians 4:19).
A Personal Relationship – The word "my" signifies ownership and closeness. Jesus later says, "I know my sheep, and my sheep know me" (John 10:14).
B. "He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures" (v. 2a)
Sheep will not lie down unless they feel safe and satisfied.
Spiritual Rest – Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28).
Nourishment in God’s Word – The green pastures symbolize the richness of God’s truth, where our souls are fed.
C. "He Leads Me Beside Still Waters" (v. 2b)
Sheep are afraid of rushing water; they need calm streams to drink safely.
The Holy Spirit’s Guidance – Jesus leads us to peace, even in chaos (John 14:27).
Living Water – Jesus offers Himself as living water so we will never thirst again (John 4:14).
D. "He Restores My Soul" (v. 3a)
Sheep often wander and become cast down (stuck on their backs, helpless). The shepherd must restore them.
Forgiveness and Renewal – When we sin and stray, Jesus restores us (1 John 1:9; Psalm 51:12).
Healing for the Broken – He binds up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1).
E. "He Leads Me in Paths of Righteousness" (v. 3b)
Sheep are prone to wander; they need guidance.
Jesus as the Way – He does not just point the way; He is the Way (John 14:6).
Sanctification – The Holy Spirit leads us into holiness (Romans 8:14).
F. "Even Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death..." (v. 4a)
The darkest valleys were where danger lurked—wolves, thieves, steep cliffs.
Presence in Suffering – Jesus does not always remove the valley, but He walks with us (Isaiah 43:2).
Victory Over Death – Because He conquered death, we need not fear (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).
G. "Your Rod and Your Staff, They Comfort Me" (v. 4b)
The Rod – Used for defense against predators (spiritual warfare, Ephesians 6:10–12).
The Staff – Used to guide and rescue sheep (God’s discipline and correction, Hebrews 12:6).
H. "You Prepare a Table Before Me..." (v. 5a)
Even in the presence of enemies (spiritual or physical), God provides abundance.
Communion with Christ – The table foreshadows the Lord’s Supper and the coming Messianic feast (Revelation 19:9).
Divine Protection – "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
I. "Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me..." (v. 6)
God’s faithful love pursues us all our days.
Eternal Security – Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38–39).
A Home Forever – The ultimate hope: dwelling in God’s house eternally (John 14:2–3).
2. The Prophetic Promise in Ezekiel 34
While Psalm 23 is personal, Ezekiel 34 is a corporate prophecy against Israel’s failed shepherds (leaders) and God’s promise to be the True Shepherd.
A. The Failure of Human Shepherds (Ezekiel 34:1–10)
The leaders of Israel were selfish, neglecting the weak, exploiting the flock (vv. 3–4).
Because of their failure, God declares judgment (vv. 7–10).
B. God’s Promise to Shepherd His People (Ezekiel 34:11–16)
"I myself will search for my sheep..." (v. 11) – God takes responsibility.
He will rescue (v. 12), gather (v. 13), feed (v. 14), and heal (v. 16).
C. The Messianic Shepherd-King (Ezekiel 34:23–24)
"I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David..." – This points to Christ, the Son of David (Matthew 1:1).
Jesus fulfills this as the Good Shepherd (John 10) and the Righteous King (Revelation 19:16).
3. Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11–18)
Ezekiel’s prophecy finds its fulfillment in Christ:
He Knows His Sheep (John 10:14) – Unlike hired hands who abandon the sheep, Jesus knows us intimately.
He Laid Down His Life (John 10:11) – The ultimate act of love (1 John 3:16).
He Gathers Other Sheep (John 10:16) – Salvation extends to all nations (Revelation 7:9).
Conclusion: Responding to the Good Shepherd
How should we respond?
Listen to His Voice – Follow no other (John 10:27).
Rest in His Care – Trust His provision and protection.
Stay Close to the Flock – The church is His fold.
Share the Shepherd’s Love – Lead others to His grace.
Jesus is not just a shepherd—He is the Good Shepherd. If you are weary, lost, or afraid, hear His voice today. He calls you by name. Will you follow Him?
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27–28)
Amen.
In John 10:11–14, Jesus contrasts Himself—the Good Shepherd—with hired hands, who do not truly care for the sheep. This distinction is crucial for understanding Christ’s commitment to His people versus the failure of false or self-serving leaders.
1. Who Are the Hired Hands?
Jesus describes them as those who:
Do not own the sheep (v. 12) – They have no personal investment in the flock.
Abandon the sheep in danger (v. 12) – When a wolf attacks, they flee.
Work only for pay (v. 13) – Their motivation is selfish, not sacrificial.
In biblical context, these "hired hands" likely represent:
False shepherds (religious leaders who exploit people, like in Ezekiel 34).
Mercenary leaders (those who serve for personal gain rather than love).
Weak or unfaithful guardians (any who neglect their duty to protect God’s people).
2. How Does the Good Shepherd Differ?
Jesus is the opposite of a hired hand:
He owns the sheep (v. 14) – They are His; He has a covenant relationship with them.
He knows His sheep intimately (v. 14) – He calls them by name (John 10:3).
He lays down His life (v. 11) – His love is sacrificial, not self-serving.
He defends the flock – Unlike the hired hands, He faces the wolf (Satan, sin, death) and wins (John 10:28–29).
3. Warning for the Church Today
The contrast between Jesus and hired hands serves as a warning:
Beware of false shepherds (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29) – Leaders who exploit, manipulate, or abandon the flock.
Follow only the True Shepherd – Jesus alone guarantees eternal security (John 10:28).
Serve with integrity – Pastors and leaders must emulate Christ, not act like hired hands (1 Peter 5:2–4).
4. Comfort for the Sheep
If you’ve been hurt by "hired hands" (unfaithful leaders, hypocritical Christians), remember:
Jesus never abandons you (Hebrews 13:5).
He restores the broken (Psalm 23:3; Luke 15:4–7).
His leadership is perfect – Unlike humans, He will never fail you.
Conclusion: The Shepherd Worth Following
The world is full of "hired hands" who disappoint, but Jesus is the Faithful Shepherd who gave His life for you. Will you trust Him?
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11)
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