The Good Shepherd: Finding Rest, Protection, and Hope in Christ
One of the most prominent themes in the story of redemption is God’s people being lost sheep in need of a shepherd.
This beautiful thread is woven throughout Scripture and fulfilled in Christ, our Good Shepherd.
We see early in the Old Testament that God Himself is our Shepherd. In Psalm 23:1, David declares, “The Lord is my shepherd” (ESV), and the entire psalm paints a stunning picture of the Lord’s care, guidance, and protection over His flock.
God’s Sovereign Care Over His People
Psalm 100:3 reminds us:
“Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
God is our Maker and Creator, and because of this, He alone is able to guide, protect, and sustain His people — the sheep of His pasture. There is no safer place than in the loving care of our Shepherd.
Sin: Our Straying From the Shepherd
But because of sin, we’ve all rejected our Shepherd. Our rebellion severs our relationship with God. We’ve trusted in our own abilities and chosen our own paths instead of following His.
Isaiah 53:6 (ESV) says:
“All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way.”
We are prone to wander, and apart from our Shepherd, we are utterly helpless. The paths we choose on our own lead to destruction and death. We are lost and in desperate need of rescue.
Christ: The Good Shepherd Who Saves
This is where Christ steps in as the Good Shepherd. Out of His deep compassion, God sent His beloved Son to bring His lost sheep home.
In John 10, Jesus declares:
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me… My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (vv. 14, 27 ESV).
Our Good Shepherd knows, leads, and protects His flock. He doesn’t just care for us from a distance — He draws near, calls us by name, and walks with us.
The Good Shepherd’s Sacrificial Love
Jesus goes even further:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11 ESV).
Because of His great love, Jesus took on our penalty for sin. He laid down His life so that we could be saved, reconciled to God, and brought safely into His eternal flock.
Secure in His Care
Friend, you are forever in His care. Christ has brought you into His flock, and because of that, He will never stop pursuing you.
Even when we wander, our Good Shepherd seeks us, calls us back, and covers us with His mercy and grace.
Reflect
Christ will forever protect and pursue His own. How can you rest in this truth today?
Are there areas of your life where you’ve wandered from His voice?
How can you trust His leading more fully this week?
What would it look like to rest deeply in His care today?
Meet the Author
Claudia Stehr
Claudia is a daughter redeemed by Jesus Christ. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband Sam. Claudia loves music, long walks and hikes, coffee chats with friends, and allll the dogs. She also loves Philadelphia sports #gobirds
Claudia has a heart for leading and discipling young women, and served in the ministries of Cru and Young Life. She loves writing, and she deeply believes in the importance of encouragement and refreshment found in communicating, sharing, and teaching God’s Word.
