Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Tonight’s Study, Session 35: I Am the Good Shepherd
Introduction: One of the most tender images of Jesus is one He supplied when referring to Himself as the Good Shepherd. This name reminds us of our own vulnerability and of Jesus’ watchful, protecting care. It evokes a sense of belonging, intimacy, and trust, revealing the Good Shepherd as the one who lays down His life for His sheep.
The statement “I am the Good Shepherd” is found in John 10:11.
Scriptural Context where “I am the Good Shepherd is Found
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”
(John 10:1–18)
“I am the Good Shepherd” is the fourth of seven “I AM” statements of Jesus recorded only in John’s Gospel. Immediately after declaring Himself “the door” in John 10:7, Jesus declares “I am the good shepherd.” He describes Himself as not only “the shepherd” but the “good shepherd.” What does this mean?
Understanding the Name
It should be understood that Jesus is “the” good shepherd, not simply “a” good shepherd, as others may be, but unique in character (Psalm 23; Zechariah 13:7; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4).
Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the 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 runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Zechariah 13:7 – “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, Against the Man who is My Companion,” Says the Lord of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered; Then I will turn My hand against the little ones.
Hebrews 13:20 – Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
1 Peter 2:25 – For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Peter 5:4 – and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
The Greek word Kalos, translated “good” describes that which is noble, wholesome, good, and beautiful, in contrast to that which is wicked, mean, foul, and unlovely. It signifies not only that which is good inwardly – character – but also that which is attractive outwardly. It is an innate goodness. Therefore, in using the phrase “the good shepherd,” Jesus is referencing His inherent goodness, His righteousness, and His beauty. As the shepherd of the sheep, He is the one who protects, guides, and nurtures His flock.
As He did in declaring that He is “the door of the sheep” in John 10:7, Jesus is making a contrast between Himself and the religious leaders, the Pharisees (John 10:1-13). He compares them to a “hireling” or “hired hand” who doesn’t care about the sheep. In John 10:9, Jesus speaks of thieves and robbers who sought to enter the sheepfold stealthily. In that passage the Jewish leaders (Pharisees) are contrasted with Christ, who is the Door. In John 10:12, the hireling is contrasted with the true or faithful shepherd who willing gives up His life for the sheep. He who is a “hireling” works for wages, which is his main consideration. His concern is not for the sheep but for himself. Since the hirelings thought only of themselves, when a wolf appeared – the most common threat to sheep in that day – the hireling abandoned the flock and fled, leaving the sheep to be scattered or killed (John 10:12-13).
God’s promise to us as believers is this, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5b).
To better understand the purpose of a shepherd during the times of Jesus, it is helpful to realize that sheep are utterly defenseless and totally dependent upon the shepherd. Sheep are always subject to danger and must always be under the watchful eye of the shepherd as they graze. Rushing walls of water down the valleys from sudden, heavy rainfalls may sweep them away, robbers may steal them, and wolves may attack the flock.
David tells how he killed a lion and a bear while defending his father’s flock as a shepherd boy (1 Samuel 17:36). Driving snow in winter, blinding dust and burning sands in summer, long, lonely hours each day – all these the shepherd patiently endures for the welfare of the flock. In fact, shepherds were frequently subjected to grave danger, sometimes even giving their lives to protect their sheep.
1 Samuel 17:36 – Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.”
Likewise, Jesus gave His life on the cross as “the Good Shepherd” for His own. He who would save others, though He had the power, did not choose to save Himself. “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Through His willing sacrifice, the Lord made salvation possible for all who come to Him in faith. In proclaiming that He is the Good Shepherd, Jesus speaks of “laying down” His life for His sheep (John 10:15, 17-18).
Practical Application of Knowing Jesus as the Good Shepherd
- Following His guidance: A shepherd leads His flock to good pasture and still waters. As His follower, we can trust Jesus to lead us toward what is truly best for us, even when the path is uncertain or feels challenging.
- Listen for His voice: Develop our ability to recognize His voice through prayer and by studying Scripture. In a world full of conflicting messages, Jesus’ guidance is a consistent and trustworthy compass.
- Overcome bad habits: Like sheep that graze a field until it is barren, humans can get stuck in unproductive habits. A shepherd leads His flock to new pastures for their health. Knowing Jesus as our shepherd means being willing to be led out of stale or destructive patterns and onto a new, more fruitful path.
- Finding security and peace: Sheep are vulnerable and defenseless animals. In the same way, we face threats and life’s dangers.
- Trust in His protection: When we are afraid, the image of Jesus as the brave shepherd who lays down His life for us can bring comfort and courage.
- Rest in His provision: The promise, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23:1), can relieve anxiety about life’s challenges. It is a daily reminder that our needs will be met by Him.
- Allowing Him to restore our soul: Just as a shepherd restores his weary sheep, Jesus promises to restore our spiritual and emotional health.
- Let go of self–reliance: Sheep are not self-sufficient; neither are we. Acknowledging our limitations and dependence on Jesus brings rest and frees us from the burden of trying to control everything on our own.
- Return to the fold: When you wander or make mistakes, knowing Jesus as your Compassionate shepherd means you can always return to Him. He will search for us and gently bring us back.
Conclusion: Jesus is “the Good Shepherd” because He laid down His life for His sheep. Jesus’ death was divinely appointed. It is only through Him that we receive salvation. The Good Shepherd that laid down His life for His sheep is the same Good Shepherd who lives forevermore to provide for, guide, and nurture the sheep of His fold. Our responsibility is to follow Him as He leads us as the Good Shepherd. In the words of Jesus, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).
Next Week, Session 36: I Am the Resurrection and the Life