Know this: The Lord himself is God; he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. —Jubilate – Psalm 100:2.

The fourth Sunday of Easter is Good Shepherd Sunday. The Gospel reading for today in all three years of the lectionary cycle is taken from the “shepherd discourse” of John 10 with its focus on the imagery of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Today’s passage emphasizes the identity of Jesus as the Messiah—a claim grounded in Jesus’ works and unity with God.

During a time of heightened tension with increased expectations of the restoration of Jewish leadership, Jesus is asked if he is the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus replied that his life and teachings had already provided all the evidence anyone could ask. Everything that Jesus had done had been in the name of the God the Jews claimed as their own—yet they did not believe him. To ask for any further statement would be to refuse to accept the evidence. “The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me” (v. 25).

Jesus goes on to say that they are not able to believe him because they are not his sheep—his sheep listen to his voice and give heed to his words and teachings. Jesus recognizes them for his own, and they follow him. Each shepherd has a distinctive call that makes possible the separation of flocks after a night of sharing a common sheepfold. Knowing Jesus as the Messiah involves a radical conversion— moving from one fold to another.

The Lord is my shepherd.

Scripture is full of references to shepherds and shepherding in both the Old and New Testaments. Shepherding was one of the earliest human endeavors, and it seems natural that such a familiar occupation would be used to illustrate the Lord’s unfailing love.

Tending a flock was an arduous calling with shepherds facing isolation and harsh living conditions. The main duty of the shepherd was to see that the animals under his care had adequate food and water as well as protecting the flock from predators and thieves. Out of this daily routine of the shepherd’s life grew a rich tradition of symbolism in which rulers and God were likened to shepherds who provided protection for their people (Ezek. 34:1-16; 23-24).

Some of the most vivid shepherd imagery comes from the comforting words of Psalm 23. Always read on the fourth Sunday of Easter, this psalm is one of the most beloved and familiar passages in all of Scripture. Along with the Lord’s Prayer, it forms the foundation of faith for many.

Written from the perspective of the sheep, the first four verses of the psalm depict God as the divine shepherd whose unfailing devotion insures that every need will be provided. In the arid landscape of Palestine, physical sustenance includes green pastures and still waters which lead to spiritual restoration as well. Still waters are necessary because sheep are flighty creatures who may be afraid to drink from a rushing stream. Thus the psalmist can proclaim with confidence, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (v. 1).

There are lots of things we go on wanting, go on lacking, whether we believe in God or not. They are not just material things . . .Maybe it means that whatever else is withheld, the shepherd never withholds himself, and he is what we want more than anything else.— Frederick Buechner.*

The shepherd also provides protection in times of uncertainty and danger—“ Even though I walk through the darkest valley” (v. 4). The shepherd carried a rod or club to ward off wild animals and a staff with a crook on the end to guide them or pull an animal to safety. Evil is present in the world, but it is not to be feared for the presence of the shepherd provides comfort and security.

The psalm does not pretend that evil and death do not exist. Terrible things happen, and they happen to good people as well as bad people. Even the paths of righteousness lead through the valley of the shadow . . . The psalmist doesn’t try to explain evil. He doesn’t try to minimize evil. He simply says he will not fear evil. For all the power that evil has, it doesn’t have the power to make him afraid.— Frederick Beuchner.

The imagery shifts in verses 5-6 to describe a banquet in which God is the host with images of the Lord’s extravagant abundance and hospitality—“my cup overflows.” As a further sign of luxury and hospitality, “you anoint my head with oil” as was the custom for honored guests. Though the psalmist may have enemies, God’s presence will provide protection. Some scholars suggest that this psalm was written following the Exile in Babylon (586-538 B.C.E.). Thus after the Lord guides the people through the arduous return journey to Israel (vv. 4-5), they are hosted at the “house of the Lord” (v. 6)—the rebuilt temple. In the final verse, the psalmist looks to the future and rejoices in God’s goodness and mercy which shall continue “my whole life long.”

If the Lord is indeed our shepherd, then everything goes topsy-turvy. Losing becomes finding and crying becomes laughter. The last become first and the weak become strong. Instead of life being done in by death in the end as we always supposed, death is done in finally by life in the end. If the Lord is our host at the great feast, then the sky is the limit.—Frederick Beuchner.

The traditional version of Psalm 23 is familiar and is often committed to memory. But the timelessness of the words and images lend themselves to other versions as well.

A David Psalm (Eugene Peterson in The Message)

God my shepherd!

I don’t need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word,

you let me catch my breath

and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through

Death Valley,

I’m not afraid

when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd’s crook

makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner

right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head,

my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me

every day of my life.

I’m back home in the house of GOD

for the rest of my life.

Japanese Version of Psalm 23

The Lord is my pacesetter: I shall not rush.

He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.

He provides me with images of stillness

Which restore my serenity.

He leads me in the way of efficiency

Through calmness of mind

And His guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things

To accomplish each day,

I will not fret.

For His presence is here.

His timelessness

His all-importance

Will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of activity

By anointing my mind with the oil of tranquility.

My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours,

For I shall walk in the pace of my Lord

And dwell in His house forever.

Musician Bobby McFerrin composed this setting for Psalm 23 that he dedicated to his mother.

Readings for Easter 4-C: Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30.

This reflection is adapted from Circle of Days: A Church Year Primer – Year C by Paula Franck and Isabel Anders available in print and ebook formats from circleofdayspublishing.com or Amazon.com.

* The quotes by Frederick Buechner are from The Clown in the Belfrey.