What Does a Shepherd Do?

   

Peaceful water on a calm day.
The Sea of Galilee - Israel

    Jesus is our shepherd in the Old and New Testaments. The classic Psalm 23 depicts Jesus—our LORD—as the ultimate shepherd taking care of all our needs, guiding and protecting us—even when we go through some really tough times…like the death of a precious loved one. That’s just what a shepherd does. He keeps his sheep close by, feeds, guides, protects, encourages, strengthens, cares for them by anointing them with oil (keeps the bugs away!) and provides a forever home. That’s the kind of shepherd I’m glad I have. The author of Hebrews also acknowledged Jesus as the great Shepherd. He has certainly been the one to care for mankind through all the ages…and He continues to guide, direct, and care for those who follow Him—those who believe in Him as their LORD and Savior.

Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 (Underlined for emphasis.)

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6

 

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I put my trust in You, knowing that as my Shepherd You will take care of me as I honor You. You provide everything I need, keeping me secure and safe, guiding me safely along the right paths, even if that path is what might be considered the Valley of the Shadow of Death—a very sad time. You are with me—protecting and comforting me…and those after me. A feast?! Ah, yes. Even if my enemies—pain, rejection, and persecution—are there, You provide a banquet fit for a king and bless me, continually, with Your unfailing love. I don’t deserve it—but You willingly give it—along with a home with You forever. Thank you!

 

Meditate. Focus on the peaceful streams.

 

Verses indicating Salvation ~ The LORD will appear above his people; his arrows will fly like lightning! The Sovereign LORD will sound the ram's horn and attack like a whirlwind from the southern desert. The LORD of Heaven's Armies will protect his people, and they will defeat their enemies by hurling great stones. They will shout in battle as though drunk with wine. They will be filled with blood like a bowl, drenched with blood like the corners of the altar. On that day the LORD their God will rescue his people, just as a shepherd rescues his sheep. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How wonderful and beautiful they will be! The young men will thrive on abundant grain, and the young women will flourish on new wine. Zechariah 9:14-17

 

© 2025 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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