Jesus Christ, Our Shepherd
Bob Yandian
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm 23 and John 10 line up with each other in a remarkable way. John 10 can be considered the Psalm 23 of the New Testament because both passages present Jesus Christ as our Shepherd. He is our Lord and Savior, our provider, and the One who leads us through this life. Jesus Christ will always be our rock, all the way into eternity, and He is our Shepherd while we are here on this earth.
David began Psalm 23 by saying, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” The word my is important. David was saying that the Lord was his personal Shepherd and personal Savior. The same is true for us. Jesus Christ does not save us and then depart, leaving us alone until the day we see Him in heaven. Although we cannot physically see Him, He travels with us and makes His will applicable to our daily lives.
Jesus can save us from eternal things, but He also cares about the financial situation we are facing, the lack of food, the threat of losing a job, and every other problem that arises in life. As long as we have a good Shepherd, we will never want for anything. He makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. He does not force us, but leads us and allows us to operate out of our own will. The green pastures speak of what we eat from the Word of God, and the still waters speak of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Everything we need for spiritual health and growth comes from the Word and the Holy Spirit.
Restored, Protected, and Provided For
Psalm 23 goes on to say, “He restores my soul.” When we are born again, our spirit is made brand new, but our soul is being changed day by day. It has not reached perfection yet. Even as believers, we can still sin from time to time. When we do, it does not mean we have lost our salvation. It means we have taken back control and need to allow God to restore our soul and bring us back into fellowship with Him.
First John 1:9 tells believers that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. When we confess the known sin, God also cleanses us from the unknown sins surrounding it. We have a relationship with God because we have been born again, but our fellowship with Him depends on how we live. A child does not disappear from the family every time he does something wrong, he simply needs to make it right with his parents. In the same way, God asks us to acknowledge that we were wrong and receive His forgiveness. A sincere confession restores fellowship.
David then said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” He did not say that he was walking into death, but through the valley of the shadow of death. Shadows surround us and try to frighten us, but the Shepherd is with us. His rod and staff comfort us. The rod beats away wolves and other attackers. The staff, with its crook, reaches down to lift a sheep that has fallen over a cliff and become caught on a rock. Whether Satan attacks us or we simply get into trouble on our own, the Shepherd is there to defend us and bring us back.
The Shepherd also prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies. This is not the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven, because Satan will not be there. The table is the Word of God, and God prepares that banquet in front of Satan, demons, and fallen angels. He anoints our head with oil, reminding us that we have the Holy Spirit living within us. Our cup runs over because there is joy inside us. Goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives, and afterward we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. We are going from good to better, and from better to best.
The Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd
In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” In Psalm 23, the sheep speaks and says, “The Lord is my shepherd.” In John 10, the Shepherd speaks and says, “My sheep hear My voice.” Under the Old Testament, God spoke to prophets and leaders who then spoke to the people. In the New Testament, every believer can hear His voice. The Holy Spirit guides and leads us, mainly through the truth of the Word of God. We belong to God, Jesus Christ is our Shepherd, and we learn to recognize and follow His voice.
The New Testament presents Jesus in three ways as our Shepherd. In John 10:11, He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. This refers to His work of salvation on the cross. We were once under the control of Satan, but Jesus redeemed us with His own blood. In Hebrews 13:20 and 21, He is the Great Shepherd. He gives us divine life and continues to increase His blessings as we mature. Our desire for righteousness and our ability to conquer become greater as we grow in Him.
First Peter 5:4 calls Jesus the Chief Shepherd. Many people claim to be servants of God and many religions claim they can lead people in life, but they cannot lead anyone into eternal life or divine blessing. Jesus Christ stands above them all as the Chief Shepherd. Christianity is not merely a religion, it is a relationship with Him. He is the only One who can save, guide, provide for, and eternally care for His sheep.
Eight Ways the Shepherd Cares for His Sheep
The Lord provides for His sheep in eight areas. First, a sheep is helpless and has no sense of direction. It must be guided by a shepherd. In the same way, believers need continued teaching from the Word of God in their hearts and as their guide. As we mature, our desire to follow God becomes greater than our desire to sin. Temptation does not have the same pull it once had because we have become accustomed to following the Shepherd every day.
Second, a sheep cannot clean itself. This reminds us of the Lord’s provision for forgiveness. The same blood that saved us also cleanses us as Christians when we confess our sins. Our works cannot cleanse us after salvation any more than they could save us before salvation. Sin after salvation does not keep us out of heaven, but it can hinder our walk, slow our progress, and cause us to move from being spiritual to being carnal. When we confess our sin, we come as a priest before our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, and He restores us to fellowship.
Third, a sheep is helpless when injured. Believers can be injured by the problems of life, by words, by sickness, by disease, and by falls into sin. Only the Lord’s power through the Holy Spirit and the promises of God can provide physical and emotional healing. When we stumble, we get up, dust ourselves off, ask the Father to forgive us, and go on. We are always children of God, but we make a daily decision to walk as spiritual children of God.
Fourth, a sheep is defenseless and depends on the shepherd’s rod and staff. We are powerless by ourselves against Satan and the world system, but Jesus is our shield, our buckler, and our defense against Satan, demons, and the world. Fifth, a sheep cannot find food or water for itself. We depend on the Shepherd to lead us to the Word of God. Jesus guides us to the Word, and then the Word becomes our guide. Just as God provided for Israel in the wilderness, He provides for us in the wilderness of Satan’s world. He takes care of flowers and birds, which are temporary, and He will certainly take care of us, whom He redeemed and made eternal.
Sixth, a sheep can easily become frightened or panicked. The shepherd calms the sheep with his voice and with songs. Our calming comes from quoting God’s Word and singing praise songs to Him. Seventh, the wool produced by the sheep belongs to the shepherd. God gives us the power to get wealth so His covenant can be established in the earth. He does not take everything we have, but a portion belongs to Him. Tithes belong to the church, and freewill offerings can be given to mission works around the world. Through our giving, others can take the gospel where we cannot personally go.
Eighth, a good shepherd puts the safety of his sheep above his own safety. He would rather lose his own life than lose the sheep. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Jesus did exactly that. He laid down His life for us, then rose again as the eternal Chief Shepherd of the church. He saved us, speaks to us, guides us, cleanses us, heals us, defends us, provides for us, calms us, and leads us into the blessings of God. With Jesus Christ as our Shepherd, goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Bundle and save! Includes a copy of Theology Simplified Volumes 1 & 2.
Theology Simplified Volume 1
A Practical Guide to Foundational Biblical Truths
Basic doctrines are not difficult but easy to understand. They often come disguised as complicated or deep-sounding words, but the definitions are simple.
Pastor, author, and renowned Bible teacher Bob Yandian explains the deep truths of Scripture in ways anyone can understand. Using straightforward vocabulary and down-to-earth examples, Pastor Bob makes complex theological concepts clear and practical.
Theology Simplified demystifies eight crucial doctrines of the Christian faith:
Redemption Justification Sanctification * Reconciliation
Predestination Election Propitiation * Glorification
These eight precepts, essential for all believers to understand, come to light as you study the pages. Theology Simplified will give you a deeper understanding of the finished work of Jesus Christ, allowing you to walk in maturity and stability in your Christian life.
160 Pages - Paperback
Theology Simplified Volume 2
Uncover the Depths of God's Word with Ease
The Bible is full of misunderstood terms and concepts. Many Christians struggle to understand the deeper meaning behind the scriptures they know and learn. What is God’s plan for mankind? Are you living fully in Jesus’s redemption? Do you understand the Church’s true purpose and God’s perfect timing?
Finding these answers can be simple! You can unearth the profound treasures of your redemption, awaken to the glory of your righteousness, and claim the abundant rewards destined for you.
Drawing from decades of biblical research and practical teaching, renowned Bible scholar and teacher Bob Yandian demystifies eight complex theological concepts, inviting you to discover the profound simplicity of God’s plan for humanity.
In his trademark clear and relatable style, you’ll gain a confident understanding of:
The doctrine of theology: A roadmap for understanding God’s Word
The fall of man: The turning point of human history and God’s plan for restoration
Faith for salvation: Your key to unlocking the kingdom of heaven
Unlimited atonement: The boundless extent of Christ’s reconciling work
Advocacy of Jesus and the Holy Spirit: Your endless support in the court of heaven
The seasons and times of God: Discerning heavenly plans in our chaotic world
The triumphant Church: Your place in God’s victorious plan
The Book of Life and heavenly rewards: The eternal ledger of the redeemed
Shake off the stress of academic doctrine and embrace the confidence that comes from knowing God’s redemptive plan for your life. These eight truths will guide you to a new depth of understanding and fellowship that will forever change you.
180 Pages - Paperback
Whether you’ve just accepted Jesus or want to revisit the core truths of your faith, Starting Strong will help you lay a foundation that lasts. In this easy-to-follow guide, Bob Yandian unpacks seven powerful truths every believer needs to know—and live by.
Straight from the Word of God, this book covers:
• What it really means to be born again
• How to be filled with the Holy Spirit and pray in tongues
• Why water baptism and communion matter today
• The power of laying on of hands for healing, blessing, and impartation
• How praise and worship open the door to God’s presence
• And why the Word of God is your anchor in every season.
These are more than just doctrines—they're the fundamentals of the faith. And when you know them, practice them, and build your life on them, you'll walk in stability, confidence, and purpose—no matter what life throws your way. Start your walk with God on the right foot. Start strong—and keep going strong.
(69 Pages - Paperback)
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Before being exiled to the island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation, the apostle John penned three letters to the church at Ephesus. The Ephesian church was the largest in the ancient world and faced, as many churches of that time did, the dangerous doctrines of Jewish legalism and Hellenistic Gnosticism. The church also dealt with false leaders more interested in gain and fame than in spreading the truth of the gospel. In response, John, who was the church’s pastor for a time, wrote the Johanninne epistles. And, as in his gospel, John addresses all of these issues through the lens of God’s love.
Bob Yandian delves into John’s letters, verse by verse, using context and his own pastoral sagacity to illuminate John’s messages. In doing so, Pastor Yandian first provides historical and biblical background - including observance of the original Greek language - to bring alive the truths in John’s three letters. Pastor Yandian then encourages modern believers to apply these truths in response to God’s pure and unfailing love.
Important Johannine Themes Pastor Yandian explores in this commentary include:
The crucial differences between relationship and fellowship with God
The reality of and remedy for sin in the believer’s life
The outworking of sanctification
The saving power of true doctrine
The discerning power of the Holy Spirit within
In this commentary, not only can readers expect valuable insight into the beloved apostle’s writings, but they can also expect a gentle nudge to be more like Jesus and less like the modern Church which, like the Ephesians, has forgotten its first love.
115 Pages