Twice in John chapter ten Jesus claimed to be the "Good Shepherd" (vs. 11, 14). There are several important things that one has to provide for sheep in order to be a good shepherd. Does Jesus have what it takes to fit these qualifications? Is He really a "Good Shepherd?"
First, a shepherd must provide protection for his sheep. The Bible indicates two things which threaten the peace and safety of sheep: thieves and wild beasts. David told Saul he had rescued his father's lambs from both a lion and a bear (1 Sam. 17:34-36). Instead of running away from the dangers threatening the sheep, Jesus was willing to lay down His life to protect His sheep. "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" (John 10:11-13).
A shepherd provides guidance for his sheep. Sheep have to be led away from dangerous places and into green pastures. Jesus provides guidance for us through His example and His teaching. "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12). "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).
A shepherd must provide food for his sheep. Adult sheep need to eat between four to five pounds of hay or pasture grass a day. Sheep can over-eat a pasture and ruin it, so they must be led from place to place to find good food and to preserve good pastures. Jesus provides the spiritual food needed for His sheep. "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger" (John 6:35).
Sheep need water to drink. Adult sheep need between one and two gallons of fresh water every day. Sheep are afraid of running water, so the shepherd must either dam up a pool of water from a running stream or draw water from a well. Jesus provides living water. "Jesus answered and said to her, 'Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life'" (John 4:13-14).
Like all livestock, sheep need medical attention from time to time. The shepherd has to be prepared to help his sheep when they became sick or injured. Jesus provides spiritual medicine for our sin-sick souls. "And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, 'Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' When Jesus heard that, He said to them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick'" (Matt. 9:11-12).
All these qualities found in Jesus are also present in the beloved 23rd Psalm as David describes the Lord as his Shepherd.
"He leads me beside the still waters" (v. 2 - Water).
"He leads me in the paths of righteousness" (v. 3 - Guidance).
"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" (vs. 4-5 - Protection).
"You anoint my head with oil" (v. 5 - Medical Attention).
Everything that the Lord was for David, Jesus is for us. He definitely qualifies as our Good Shepherd. Where else can we go to find the things our souls need?
Having found our Good Shepherd, it is our responsibility to be good sheep and follow Him, allowing Him to nourish us, protect us and lead us to His Father's house.