Christ, the Good Shepherd

Sermon 7 in Series

Psalm 23

[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
[2] He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
[3] He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

[4] 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.

[5] You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
[6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  How familiar are you with Psalm 23? Have you encountered it as a “secular icon” rather than sacred scripture?
2.  What does David’s profession mean, “I shall not want?” What is this conclusion founded on and how can you live this out in your day-to-day life?
3.  Consider the green pastures and quiet waters of vv.2-3. What misconceptions might you have had about these lines? How does this point us to the Word?
4.  How did David get into the valley and what comforts him there? How have you seen the Lord be faithful to you in the valley?
5.  What tools does the Shepherd wield for the good of his sheep? How does he use these to defend and correct?
6.  What is communicated in the guest/host image of vv.5-6? What does it mean to be “slathered” in his steadfast love?
7.  What must the Shepherd do in order for us to dwell in the house of the Lord? Marvel at what the Shepherd has done for us in the gospel.

References:  Psalm 22; Genesis 48:15; Ezekiel 34:4; John 10:14; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 5:2; Deuteronomy 2:7; Matthew 4:4; John 6:27; Hebrews 12:2; John 10:27; 1 Samuel 17:34-36; Psalm 2:11; Revelation 7:17