Jesus is the good shepherd because he protects the lives and welfare of the sheep. In fact, he gave his life to save us. That is what a good shepherd does.

Updated: Saturday, September 2, 2023

Jesus Is The Good Shepherd And The Ultimate Provider

STM Bible Snack

John 10:14-15 [read John 10:1-21 (14-15)]: “I am the shepherd who cares for the sheep. I know my sheep just as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me just as I know the Father. I give my life for these sheep. (ERV); KJV: I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

The Chief Shepherd

Not only is Jesus the good shepherd but he is also called the “Chief Shepherd”.
1 Peter 5:4 [read 1 Peter 5:1-4 (4)]: Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory. (CEV); KJV: And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

And he is “the Shepherd and Bishop [guardian, keeper, protector] of your souls”.
1 Peter 2:25 [read 1 Peter 2:18-25 (25)]: You were like sheep that went the wrong way. But now you have come back to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (ICB); KJV: For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Jesus is the ultimate provider

You may have heard that David served as a young shepherd caring for his father’s sheep (see 1 Samuel 16:19, 17:15 and 34; 1 Chronicles 17:7). So it is possible that many of David’s songs and poems (in Psalms) are based on that experience. He speaks of the manner in which the Lord protects and provides.

Psalms 23:1-6 [read Psalms 23:1-6]: The Lord takes care of me, like a shepherd with his sheep. I have everything that I need. 2 He takes me to green fields where I can rest. He leads me to streams of water where I can drink. 3 He gives me new strength in my life. He is my guide to the right paths. He does this to give honour to his name.
4 I may walk through a valley that is as dark as death. But I will not be afraid of any danger. This is because you are with me, Lord.
Your stick and your shepherd’s pole protect me from danger. 5 You prepare a big meal for me while my enemies watch. You put olive oil on my head. You bless me so much that my cup is completely full.; 6 I am sure that you will always be good to me. You will love me all the days of my life. That will never change. I will live in the Lord’s house for as long as I live. (EASY)

The LORD is my shepherd

KJV: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Jesus is The Good Shepherd

Our Lord Jesus takes care of us and provides all that we need. In fact, He is the best or the ultimate provider and leads/guides us (when we allow Him to).

Psalms 34:9-10 [read Psalms 34:8-10 (9-10); compare Philippians 4:19]: Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. (NLT); KJV: O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.; As a result of His care, we have all we need. So we can say, “I shall not want” or “I am not in need of anything.”

He’s “that great shepherd”

Hebrews 13:20-21 [read Hebrews 13:20-25 (20-21)]: Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep [i.e., the church], through the blood of the never ending Agreement [i.e., Christ’s blood],; 21 equip you with every good deed for doing God’s will. [May He] work in us [to accomplish] what is very pleasing in His sight through [the power of] Jesus Christ. May there be praise to Him forever and ever. May it be so. (AUV); KJV: Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,; 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Know that the Lord is the good Shepherd and ultimate provider, you will not be in need of any good thing. I pray that you have enjoyed and will make the most of this Bible snack. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺