I Am the Good Shepherd

Sunday Morning Message: 22nd of June 2025

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Key Verse:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”— John 10:11

Shepherding in the Bible:

Leaders of God's people: The role of a shepherd was seen as a powerful metaphor for leadership, especially in the context of God's relationship with his people. 

God as the Shepherd: The Bible frequently portrays God as the ultimate shepherd, leading, protecting, and providing for his followers. 

Jesus as the Good Shepherd: In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as the "Good Shepherd," emphasising his sacrificial love and commitment to his followers. 

Leaders as Shepherds: Biblical leaders, such as prophets and kings, were also expected to act as shepherds, guiding and caring for those under their charge. 

Active Involvement: Shepherding involves actively seeking out and connecting with others, knowing their needs, and providing guidance and support. 

Mutual Responsibility: While some are called to specific roles of leadership and oversight, all Christians are part of the flock and are called to participate in mutual care and encouragement

Example of Moses:

Exodus 3:1-2 "Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. [2] There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up."

Example of David:

1 Samuel 16:11,13 "So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” [13] So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah."

1 Samuel 17:34-37 "But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, [35] I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. [36] Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. [37] The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”"

God often prepares leaders in quiet, unseen places. Moses was tending sheep when he encountered God and was called to lead a nation. David learned courage and responsibility in the fields before he faced Goliath and eventually became king.

Shepherding required attentiveness, protection, and the willingness to put oneself at risk for the sake of the sheep. These early shepherds weren’t just tending livestock—they were being shaped into leaders. God saw qualities in them that others overlooked.

Discuss:

• What can we learn about God's preparation process through the stories of Moses and David?

• Have you ever had a season that felt insignificant, but God later used it to shape you?

  
  
  
  

God as the Shepherd of His People

Psalm 23:1-6 "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.[2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,[3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.[4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.[5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.[6] Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Ezekiel 34:11-13 “‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. [12] As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. [13] I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land.’”

The Lord’s care is deeply personal. In Psalm 23, we see that God not only provides and protects but also restores and comforts. David writes this psalm with intimate confidence because he has lived under God's care in both green pastures and dark valleys.

Ezekiel gives a prophetic picture of a God who refuses to leave His people scattered and leaderless. When human shepherds fail, God Himself steps in. He seeks, gathers, rescues, and feeds. These passages give us a profound glimpse into the character of God—He is not passive or aloof; He is actively involved in our lives.

Discuss:

• Which phrase from Psalm 23 speaks to your heart right now, and why?

• How does Ezekiel’s prophecy show the love and initiative of God?

Jesus: The Good Shepherd

This is one of the most Profound images Jesus ever gave us of Himself — the Good Shepherd. This image speaks not only to who Jesus is, but also to who we are in Him. In a world of noise, confusion, and danger, what a gift it is to know that we are not wandering alone — we are being led, protected, and loved by a Shepherd who is both strong and tender.

Matthew 9:35-38 "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. [36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. [38] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”"

John 10:3-4 "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice."

John 10:11-18 "“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. [13] The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.[14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.[16] I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.[17] The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”"

 John 10:14 - The shepherd who knows His sheep, He is a personal shepherd.

John 10:11 - The shepherd who lays down His life - He doesn't just risk His life, He gives it.

John 10:16 - The shepherd who unites His flock - He is inclusive, not exclusive.

Discuss:

• How does it make you feel to know that Jesus calls you by name?

• What differences do you notice between the hired hand and the Good Shepherd?

Following the Shepherd—and Shepherding Others

Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, [21] equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 2:25 "For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

We were once wandering sheep, spiritually lost and without direction, but through Jesus, we’ve returned to the true Shepherd of our souls. And now, as His followers, we are invited to reflect His heart—caring for others, guiding the lost, and encouraging those in need.

Hebrews 13 reminds us that our Shepherd is not only caring but powerful. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead equips us to do His will. He doesn’t just comfort—He commissions.

We are called not only to follow but also to shepherd in our own spheres. Whether that’s parenting, pastoring, mentoring, or encouraging others, we carry the Shepherd’s heart. True shepherding doesn’t build our own name—it leads people closer to Jesus.

But we must remain close to Him ourselves. It’s easy to drift into self-reliance, forgetting our daily need for Jesus.

Discuss:

• In what ways is Jesus currently equipping you to care for others?

• Who in your life might need your encouragement, guidance, or shepherding love right now?

  
  

Closing Prayer

Jesus, our Good Shepherd—thank You for calling us by name and never giving up on us. Thank You for laying down Your life so we could live. Teach us to follow Your voice and to rest in Your love. Strengthen us to care for others with the same compassion and courage You have shown us. Help us to walk closely with You every day. Amen.