Shepherd

Learning is always easier with a teacher. Sure, you can eventually figure things out through trial and error. But teachers, whether they be the author of a how-to guide or a tutor physically sitting beside you, make the process so much easier.

The best teachers walk alongside you on your journey, guiding you to the best resources, correcting you when you misstep, and encouraging you through their example. They show their love through the patience and persistence of their teaching.

To me, all this and more is encapsulated in Jesus’s name of “The Good Shepherd”. I love the beautiful poetic description in Psalms of Jesus as our Shepherd:

“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.

Even 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.”

Psalm 23:1-6

Jesus declared, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) He tells a parable of a shepherd who would set aside everything to rescue just one, single sheep even though He already had ninety-nine sheep safely in the fold. Every individual is valuable to Him. Jesus doesn’t want anyone lost or forgotten. Truly “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10)

However, we get to choose if we want to follow Jesus. He respects our freedom to choose, even if it means that we choose to reject Him. But when we do choose to let Jesus be our Shepherd, His influence makes our lives easier and happier. Mormon tells us that the Nephites “were once a delightsome people” because “they had Christ for their shepherd”. (Mormon 5:17)

Just like a dedicated teacher, the Good Shepherd loves and guides those under His care. He also protects us from the evils of the world. When we get lost in the darkness or confusion of this world, our Good Shepherd will come seek us out and rescue us.

Jesus Christ is our ultimate teacher, guide, and protector—our Good Shepherd. Who would not want such a dedicated champion to be constantly present in their lives?

“I need thy presence ev’ry passing hour.

What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?

Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?

Thru cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me!”

Abide With Me! Hymn #166

Image Credit: “Good Shepherd” by Del Parson

Thoughts about Jesus Christ—our Advocate, our Savior, and our Friend.

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Questions To Ponder On

Why is Jesus called the Good Shepherd?

Jesus is called the Good Shepherd because He lovingly walks alongside us on our journey, guiding us, correcting us, and encouraging us—just like the best teachers do. He declared, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” He seeks out every individual, even the one lost sheep, because every soul is precious to Him.

What do the scriptures teach us about Jesus as our Shepherd?

Psalm 23 gives a poetic and comforting description of Jesus as our Shepherd: “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.” It reminds us that even in life’s darkest valleys, He is with us—His rod and staff comfort and guide us.

How does Jesus show His love for us as the Good Shepherd?

Jesus shows His love through the patience and persistence of His teaching. He is willing to set aside everything to rescue even one lost sheep. Truly, “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” His care is constant and deeply personal.

Do we have a choice in following Jesus as our Shepherd?

Yes, we get to choose whether or not we follow Him. Jesus respects our freedom to choose, even if we choose to reject Him. But when we let Him be our Shepherd, His influence makes our lives easier and happier.

What blessings come from letting Christ be our Shepherd?

When Christ is our Shepherd, He guides, teaches, protects, and restores us. The Nephites “were once a delightsome people” because “they had Christ for their shepherd.” His presence brings comfort, peace, and strength in every passing hour.