The Shepherd

Who is Jesus to you?

I recently asked some teenagers in our small group that question. Who is Jesus to you?

One said “He’s a savior to me” another said “He’s a close friend” and another added that He’s “someone I can rely on.”

All beautiful answers. One fellow leader spoke up and said “He’s my everything!” Amen!

I would answer in the same way. Jesus truly is my everything. 

And yet in different seasons and trials, aspects of Him impact me in a very deep way. In some seasons, Jesus being my Savior really grips my heart. In others, Him being my Provider is an aspect I really lean into. Being our Great High Priest, a good Father, my Healer…He is all of these and so much more!

Lately though, Him being my Shepherd has really captured my heart. 

Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd in John chapter 10:

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.

I’ve recently memorized Psalm 23. It wasn’t a hard chapter to commit to memory as we all hear parts of that chapter often. But it’s now the longest piece of scripture I know by heart. Each time I recite this psalm, I try to think deeply about each verse, each word.

I’ll close my eyes and picture with my imagination Jesus leading me beside still waters, resting with Him in calm green pastures.

I’ll imagine times I know I have walked through valleys or darkness and recall His guiding presence.

I imagine Him preparing a table before me, what that might look like while knowing my enemies are around me.

I imagine the feast He prepares for me as He anoints my head with the oil of gladness, and my cup overflowing. 

Truly I have been in long seasons of suffering and crushing, often very aware of my need for my Shepherd. He created me, has called me, and has sent me into places and situations that always cause me to look back up to the Good Shepherd beside me. 

This psalm has become a reminder of the hope I have in Jesus. I am never alone. Like a shepherd who gives their days and nights and life protecting the sheep in their care, He leads and guides me, He cares for me and my needs. He goes before me, and has cleared my path. He’s the only one for me. 

So when sadness and grief comes in waves, I come back to the calm waters He’s lead me to.

When my anxious thoughts tumble around my mind, I rest in the green pastures He’s called me to.

When I think I’m not worthy, I think about how He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

When I feel like the world, my flesh and the devil mount attacks against me, I come to the table that He’s prepared. 

Indeed there is much to say about the weakness of sheep, and their lack of defenses. Wouldn’t it be better if they could defend themselves? Yet, none of that matters, if the shepherd is able to care, guide and protect the flock.

The Good Shepherd has and will always be more than enough for me.