Perhaps Psalm 23, written by King David, is the most beloved, widely known, and familiar chapter in all the holy Scriptures. It is also widely circulated, read, quoted, recited, referred to, used at funerals, put to music, and used to comfort those in need. This Psalm uses the metaphor of the Shepherd and his sheep.
The 23rd Psalm is very personal. Observe the use of the personal pronouns, “The LORD is my Shepherd,” “I shall not want,” “He makes me to lie down,” “He restores my soul,” “He leads me in the paths of righteousness.” Many people have recognized its beauty and fallen in love with it.
Psalm 23 has only six short verses, and can be read in just about 35 seconds. Yet, it is most refreshing since it brings revival to the human soul and spirit.
Psalm 23 is the second of a trilogy with Psalm 22 and Psalm 24. All three Psalms were written by King David, who was a shepherd boy in the town of Bethlehem tending his father’s sheep.
Psalm 22 speaks of the past when the Lord Jesus suffered, bled, and died. Psalm 23 speaks of the present that Jesus is alive and He is now seated at God’s right hand in Heaven today. Psalm 24 is futuristic in that it points to the return of The Lord Jesus Christ.
Here is more truth about the trilogy. Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” in Psalm 22, and who “lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). In Psalm 23, Jesus is portrayed as the “Great Shepherd.” The Bible says, “The God of peace that brought again the Lord Jesus that “Great Shepherd” of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:29). Psalm 24 reveals Jesus as the “Chief Shepherd.” The Bible says, “And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear we will receive a Crown of Glory that cannot fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).
The Lord Jesus Christ is absolutely qualified to be the Christian’s Shepherd. And in response to this “designation,” the Bible says, “for you were as sheep going astray, but are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls” (1 Peter 2:25).
Claiming the Lord Jesus as my Shepherd is a declaration of my allegiance to Him and His authority in my life. I depend on Him to meet all my needs, and also to lead and guide me “in the paths of righteousness” with the guarantee that “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life until I dwell in the house of the Lord forever.“
Renowned writer, broadcaster, and pastor, J. Vernon McGee states, “Can you say at this moment, “The Lord is my shepherd”? If you can, all the wonderful promises of this psalm are yours. If He is the Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep and He is your Savior, this psalm is for you.” (Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee, Vol. II Joshua—Psalms).
So then, we can conclude that the Christian’s “Shepherd” is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who gave His life for the sheep, that is, all mankind. This is in direct reference to the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross for “lost” mankind. The Scripture declares: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).
Like sheep that have the tendency to stray and also get lost at times; so it is with mankind who has sinned by rejecting God’s chosen path that leads to “eternal life” in Christ Jesus. However, God in His divine mercy and grace, has laid on [Jesus] the iniquity of us all. It was therefore necessary for Christ to go to the cross to shed His blood and die to forgive man of his sins and reconcile him to God.
Not only has Christ given His life on the cross for ‘fallen’ mankind, but He also protects, guides, and nurtures His sheep because of His ongoing position “to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
Glory, honor, and praise be to God for our Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd — our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen.