The Good Shepherd | The Goodness of God (Part 6 )
June 2, 2026
There is a common analogy in the Bible that describes God and Jesus as a good shepherd. The visual power of a compassionate shepherd taking care of his sheep is not lost on me. I grew up on a farm with livestock. We did not have sheep, but it is easy for me to see the green pastures, the work of watering animals, and necessary caring for the wounded and sick animals.
In a previous post, I mentioned John 10:10 that contrasts the enemy’s purpose with God’s intentions. In this chapter, Jesus uses the analogy to identify Himself as our Good Shepherd.
2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The watchman opens the door for this man, and the sheep listen to his voice and heed it; and he calls his own sheep by name and brings (leads) them out. 4 When he has brought his own sheep outside, he walks on before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). 11 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.
14 I am the Good Shepherd; and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me— 15 Even as [truly as] the Father knows Me and I also know the Father—and I am giving My [very own] life and laying it down on behalf of the sheep. (AMPC)
Shepherd and sheep analogies are excellent because they reveal the mindset of God toward us.
Revelation 7:17
“For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (NLT)
Matthew 9:35-36
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. (NKJV)
Luke 15:5-7
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” (NLT)
In writing Psalm 23, King David also uses the shepherd and sheep analogy.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (MEV)
Psalm 100:3 states Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. (MEV)
Ezekiel 34:15-16a
I will feed My flock, and I will cause them to lie down, says the Lord God. 16 I will seek that which was lost and bring back that which was driven away and bind up that which was broken and will strengthen that which was sick. (MEV)
Micah 5:4-5a in speaking about the Messiah from Bethlehem, said this.
4 He will stand and shepherd in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God;
then they will live securely, because now He will be great
until the ends of the earth;
5 and He will be their peace… (MEV)
Sheep need much more attention than cows or pigs. They are easily stressed and can die from it. Stressors like being chased by a dog or coyote, difficulties in giving birth, changes in food and water, or weather that is too cold or too hot can all have a quick and devastating effect. Sheep also do not have natural defense mechanisms. They may not have horns. They have no sharp teeth or tusks. No claws, spurs, or spines. They are not fast runners and they can’t climb trees. Basically, they are sitting ducks that require a lot of care and protection from the shepherd.
Like the sheep, we humans are sitting ducks that require a lot of care and attention from our Shepherd to survive a life with a prowling thief coming to steal, kill, and destroy. We need a Good Shepherd who has compassion for His sheep.
God is not a careless or thoughtless shepherd. He knows us by name. He leads us to good places and to living water if we will learn to recognize His voice and follow Him. He binds up our wounds, comforts us, and wipes away our tears. He gathers us when we are scattered. He searches for the lost and brings them into a safe place. Jesus laid down His life for us to save us and give us hope. Our Good Shepherd is a good, good God. Amen!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I did not acknowledge you as the Good Shepherd of my life. Your compassion for me is limitless. Lord, when I am scattered and lost, come find me quickly. Instead of turning away from you, I will turn to You first when I need help and protection. Thank you for making me a member of your flock. Amen.