Good Shepherd

Names of God

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

God has many names and titles in the Bible. Each one tells us something important about Him—His character and how He relates to us. And how we must relate to Him. Here is another one of His many Names, which is Good Shepherd.

Good Shepherd - Jesus

Jesus called himself “Good Shepherd” and explained what it means to His sheep.

“The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,  just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.” (John 10:12-15)

What the Good Shepherd does

“He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.” (Isa. 40:11)

“Then Jesus told them this parable: “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:3-7)

Therefore

“For this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.” (Ez. 34:11)

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1 )