The Shepherd's Role
Psalm 23:1-2
Psalm 23:1-2
Who is the shepherd in Psalm 23?
The Lord / God
In Psalm 23, God “makes me lie down” in what specific type of place that provides rest for sheep
Green Pastures
What valley does Psalm 23 say we can walk through without fear?
Valley of the shadow of death
God prepares a table for us even when we are surrounded by whom?
Our enemies
What follows us all the days of our life?
Goodness and mercy
What does “I shall not want” mean in Psalm 23?
God provides everything I need
Don't Get distracted by what you want but remember that God gives us everything we need.
God leads us beside what kind of waters that were especially important for sheep in ancient Israel?
Still/Calm waters
Why don’t we have to be afraid in the valley?
God is with us
What is poured on our head to show God’s blessing?
Oil
Where will we live forever according to Psalm 23?
In the house of the Lord
Before David was king, he took care of his father’s sheep. Name one thing a shepherd has to do to keep sheep safe from their enemies.
Defend them from wild animals like Lions, Bears, or other wild animals.
What does it mean when Psalm 23 says “He restores my soul”?
God helps us feel spiritually renewed and refreshed. He strengthens our faith in Him and helps us keep moving towards him.
What two things does God use to comfort us in the valley?
Rod and staff
What does it mean that “my cup overflows”?
God's give more than enough blessings.
What's the difference between "Grace" and "Mercy"?
Grace is receiving something you don't deserve
Mercy is NOT receiving something that you deserved
God demonstrated grace to us by sending his son to die on the cross for us. Mercy is us not having to pay the price of our sin.
The rod and staff are tools a shepherd uses. What do they show about God?
God guides us, corrects us, and protects us
Psalm 23 talks about green pastures and still waters. How can these images help you understand the kind of peace and rest God gives in your life today?
They show that God gives us calm, safety, and refreshment when life feels busy, stressful, or scary.
The valley can also represent what kind of time in our lives?
Hard or scary times
What does the table remind us about God’s relationship with us?
God provides and cares for us
Psalm 23 says “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” What does “dwell in the house of the Lord” mean about our relationship with God?
It means we get to live with God, be close to Him, and experience His love and care all the time.
Psalm 23 talks about God as a shepherd who guides, protects, and cares for His sheep. What can we do today to make sure that we are staying close to our shepherd?
Pray regularly – talking to Jesus helps us stay connected and hear His guidance.
Read the Bible – learning His words shows us the right paths to follow.
Follow His teachings – making choices that reflect love, kindness, and honesty keeps us walking with Him.
Trust Him – even when life feels scary or uncertain, remembering that He protects and cares for us keeps us close to Him.
Spend time with other believers – being around people who love Jesus can encourage us to follow Him too.
How does this idea of restoration point to Jesus?
Jesus restores our hearts and gives us peace.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:17-18
How does Jesus show He is with us in the valley?
Jesus comforts and protects us when we are afraid or in danger.
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:11-18
What is the ultimate blessing that Jesus offers to us? What did it cost?
Jesus died on the cross in our place so that we could be forgiven of our mistakes. Salvation is only found through Jesus.
16 “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
How does this promise of living forever with God connect to Jesus?
Jesus paid the price so that we could live forever.
16 “For God so loved the world,[i] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16