Psalm 23:1-6 ~ A Psalm of David
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. [5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
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 who owns 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."
Questions for Reflection
1. How did David describe the Lord? (Psalm 23:1)2. Who did Jesus claim to be? (John 10:11)
3. What comforted David? (Psalm 23:1)
4. David spoke of a shepherd and sheep—how would you picture your relationship with the Lord?
5. How has the Lord guided you through difficult times?
6. What did Jesus say He did for His sheep? (John 10:15)
7. What did Jesus say He had? (John 10:16)
8. Why did Jesus say the Father loved Him? (John 10:17-18)
9. What tempts people to follow a stranger? Why?
10. How has Jesus made your life full?
