Christ is Our Shepherd

Trust Christ as sheep trust their shepherd

Sheep are not know for being clever. Their lives are dependent upon how well the shepherd cares for them and to what degree they follow the shepherd. Jesus is our wonderful shepherd that cares for us.

1) A Shepherd Knows

"A good shepherd knows His sheep. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me” (John 10:14). Acquiring knowledge of a person is the first step of knowing a person’s real needs. Jesus knows His sheep.

2) A Shepherd Provides

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters (Psalm 23:1-2).

In the verse above circle who is our shepherd. Underline two things the shepherd makes the sheep do?

Sheep fully rely on their shepherd for what they need. A good shepherd prepares the pasture for his sheep by making sure there are no harmful things in it. A lamb will not lie down unless it is fully satisfied and feeling secure.

Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). As your Shepherd, He promises that you will not suffer need. He will provide for everything (Matthew 6:25-26). He does not promise to meet all our desires, though. If we completely trust Jesus to provide, then we won’t worry about our seemingly difficult circumstances.

2) A Shepherd Protects

Even though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; The rod and staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4).

Name some fears you have. Fill in the blanks below with your answers.

“Even though ___________________, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.”

“Even though ___________________, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.”

“Even though ___________________, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.”

Jesus is always there to protect His sheep. Just like a good shepherd will fight wolves and other predators to protect them, so He will watch over us. When we worry about life, a job, our health, or other needs, we show that we are putting our trust in our circumstances rather than God.

Application:

We need to pay closer attention to how God provides for us. Share two or three ways the Lord took special care of you in the last week. Say a prayer and thank Him for taking care of you as His lamb.

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