If he sees one that is bruised or weary, he puts the refreshing oil upon it to soothe and heal it, and gives it a drink of cool water. At the end of the day, the shepherd leads the flock back to the fold and stands by the open door to examine each one as it enters. Even when they go through a dangerous valley (verse 4), the shepherd is beside them, and beyond the valley is the house of rest. The sheep never need worry when they follow the shepherd, for he will protect them and provide for them. The shepherd goes before the sheep and makes sure they are not walking into danger (John 10:27-28). Such a shepherd knows each sheep by name. Of course, the picture here is that of the Oriental shepherd and his flock. “I shall not want” for: rest and refreshment” (verse 2), “I shall not want” for: restoration and righteousness (verse 3), “I shall not want” for: protection in trouble (verse 4), “I shall not want” for: provision in the wilderness (verse 5), and “I shall not want” for: a home to go to at the end of the day (verse 6). “I shall not want” is the theme of Psalm 23.
He is the great shepherd, the great high priest.
Jesus did not simply die for us he rose again and lives for us. We are his sheep, and as we follow him he ministers to us. Hebrews 13:20-21 informs us that today Jesus is the great shepherd who cares for the sheep. “The God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever.
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