A common desire among people is that we want someone to care for us. When Jesus says “I am the good shepherd”, he saying that he cares for us. And yet, he is saying so much more.

Why did Jesus equate us to sheep?

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. —John 10:11 (NIV)

What makes Jesus the “good shepherd”?

King David (who once was a shepherd) penned this famous psalm.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. —Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)

What do you understand about God from this passage?
What do you understand about people from this passage?

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. —Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

Rest is something that many of us long for.
How does Jesus give us rest?

What other connections do you see between Psalm 23 and Jesus’ ministry?

(The Messiah) was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. —Isaiah 53:7 (NIV)

Sheep usually aren’t considered worth dying for, but Jesus died for us. Even though we weren’t really worth dying for, he still died for us.

Why did Jesus sacrifice himself for us?

“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.’ —Luke 15:4-6 (NLT)

What do you understand about God from this passage?
What do you understand about people from this passage?