The Lord Is My Shepherd: Why Jesus Is Better
In a world filled with uncertainty and constant change, we all need something—or someone—we can depend on. The 23rd Psalm begins with one of the most comforting declarations in all of Scripture: “The Lord is my shepherd.” But what does it really mean to have Jesus as our shepherd, and why is He better than anything else this world can offer?
Why Are We Called Sheep in the Bible?
Throughout Scripture, believers are repeatedly referred to as sheep. This isn’t just poetic language—it’s a profound truth about our nature and our need. Jesus Himself said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Psalm 100:3 makes it even clearer: “We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.”
The Reality About Sheep
If we’re honest, being compared to sheep isn’t exactly flattering. Sheep are among the most dependent animals on earth. They can barely feed themselves and often need to be led to food and water. They frequently get themselves into dangerous situations and need constant rescue.
Sound familiar? Just like sheep, we often find ourselves in spiritual “ditches”—making the same mistakes repeatedly, needing our Good Shepherd to rescue us time and again. The good news is that He never grows tired of pulling us out.
How Is Jesus Better as Jehovah Jireh—The Lord Who Provides?
When Psalm 23:1 says “I shall not want,” it doesn’t mean we get everything we desire. The Hebrew word means “I shall not lack”—we won’t be empty of what we truly need.
Provision vs. Wants
Jesus as our shepherd doesn’t provide everything we want, but He provides everything we need—which is actually better for us. Just as wise parents don’t give their children everything they ask for, our heavenly Father knows what’s truly best.
The Jewish people wanted a political king to overthrow Rome, but they needed a Messiah to save their souls. God’s provision of what we need is always better than giving us what we think we want.
As Paul writes in Philippians 4:19: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
How Is Jesus Better as Jehovah Shalom—The Lord Our Peace?
Psalm 23:2 tells us “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” These green pastures and still waters represent contentment and peace—two things our souls desperately crave.
Finding True Contentment
Paul discovered the secret to contentment that transcends circumstances. In Philippians 4:11-13, he explains that he learned to be content whether he had much or little, whether full or hungry. The secret? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
True peace and contentment don’t depend on our circumstances but on our relationship with the Good Shepherd.
The Importance of Rest
Notice the phrase “He makes me lie down.” Sometimes, as our loving Father, God will make us rest because He knows we need it. Just as parents sometimes have to make their children take naps for their own good, God sometimes orchestrates seasons of rest in our lives because He knows what’s better for us.
How Is Jesus Better as Jehovah Rapha—The Lord Who Heals?
“He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3) speaks to Jesus’ power as our healer. Has your soul ever been crushed? Has your heart ever been broken by loss, betrayal, or disappointment?
Jesus Came to Heal the Brokenhearted
In Luke 4, Jesus read from Isaiah 61 and declared that He came “to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives.” Whether you’ve fallen into a pit accidentally, been thrown in by someone else, or dug your own pit through poor choices, the Good Shepherd will come and rescue you.
Matthew 12:20 promises that “a bruised reed He will not break.” When you’re bleeding on the inside, when your heart is bruised, Jesus won’t come to break you further—He comes to bind up your wounds and heal you.
How Is Jesus Better as Jehovah Tsidkenu—The Lord Our Righteousness?
The final part of Psalm 23:3 says “He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” There is no righteousness for humanity apart from Jesus Christ.
The Only Path to Righteousness
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Our own righteousness, as Isaiah tells us, is like filthy rags. But through faith in Christ, His perfect righteousness is credited to our account.
Jeremiah 23:6 calls the Messiah “The Lord Our Righteousness”—Jehovah Tsidkenu. This righteousness isn’t earned through our efforts but received as a gift through faith.
Why the Blood of Jesus Speaks Better Things
Hebrews 12:24 tells us that Jesus’ blood “speaks better things than that of Abel.” When Cain killed Abel, Abel’s blood cried out for justice, vengeance, and judgment. But the blood of Jesus cries out something completely different.
What Jesus’ Blood Declares
The blood of Jesus speaks:
- Love instead of hatred
- Forgiveness instead of revenge
- Reconciliation instead of separation
- Provision instead of lack
- Peace instead of turmoil
- Healing instead of brokenness
- Righteousness instead of condemnation
The blood of Jesus is crying out to you today, declaring that every need can be met in Him.
Life Application
This week, make a conscious effort to follow the Good Shepherd more closely. If you’re lacking contentment and peace, examine how closely you’re following Him. Spend daily time in “green pastures” through God’s Word and beside “still waters” through worship and prayer.
Remember that better is on the other side of your obedience. When you feel like you’ve fallen into the same pit again, don’t listen to the enemy’s lies that God won’t rescue you. The Good Shepherd will leave the 99 for the 1 and will pull you out time and time again.
Questions for Reflection:
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God’s provision is better than your wants?
- How can you create more time for “green pastures and still waters” in your daily routine?
- What “pits” do you keep falling into that you need the Good Shepherd to rescue you from?
- Are you following the Good Shepherd closely enough to experience His peace and contentment?