The Good Shepherd

I have seen sheep. I have seen many sheep. But most of what I know about taking care of sheep, I have learned from the scriptures. Throughout the scriptures, there are references to Jesus Christ as our shepherd, or the Good Shepherd. By reading these passages, I have determined certain characteristics that a shepherd must have. I'm pretty sure that not all shepherds have these characteristics, but what matters to me is that the Good Shepherd does.

A caretaker

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalms 23:1)

One who is very gentle and tender

"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:11)

A protector and guide

"For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

"As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

"And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

"I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

"I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God.

"I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick:" (Ezekiel 34:11-16)

One who is inclusive, welcoming, and inviting

"For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (1 Peter 2:25)

"Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ." (Alma 5:38)

"And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." (John 10:16)

A shepherd is familiar with each of his sheep

"And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the earth; and he numbereth his sheep, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture." (1 Nephi 22:25)

One who loves with a perfect love

"I am the good sheperd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11)

"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15)


When I read these passages, I feel safe. I feel loved and protected. I feel known of God.