Meet the Shepherd! (John 10:11-18; Psalm 23)

During Vacation Bible School this year children memorized and studied one of the best-loved passages in all of Scripture—Psalm 23.

When most people hear Psalm 23, their minds immediately run to its wonderful blessings: Lush green pastures. Still waters. An overflowing cup of blessing. Shamed enemies. Goodness and mercy (running after us). The Father's house.

Every one of those promises is precious. They have comforted God's people for more than three thousand years.

But there is something even more glorious than the blessings themselves.

There is the (Good) Shepherd.  

David's primary focus in Psalm 23 was never the green pastures or the still waters. His greatest delight was not ultimately the banquet table or even heaven itself.  His true delight was the Shepherd.

Remove the Shepherd, and there is no peace. No protection. No provision. No pardon. No Paradise.

Before we can truly appreciate the blessings of Psalm 23, we must first know the Shepherd of Psalm 23. That is exactly where Jesus takes us in John 10.

An Unexpected Question

One of my favorite moments during VBS came from an inquisitive nine-year-old.  After thinking about the message of Psalm 23, the group leaders were asked, "If God the Father is the Good Shepherd...does that make Jesus the sheepdog?"

The question made everyone smile.  Children have a wonderful way of asking questions adults would never think to ask. (How do you explain the Trinity to a 9-10 year olds in 30 seconds).  Yet behind that innocent question lies a profound theological truth.

When Jesus declared, "I AM the good shepherd!"  Jesus was not merely comparing Himself to a shepherd. He was identifying Himself with the covenant God of Israel.  I am the Great I Am that is who I am.

Throughout the Old Testament, Yahweh repeatedly identifies Himself as the Shepherd of His people (Psalm 23; Isaiah 40; Ezekiel 34).

Now Jesus steps onto the scene and boldly announces, "I am the Good Shepherd."

This was no ordinary metaphor.  It was a declaration of His deity.

Jesus is the Divine Shepherd par excellence.  As such:

1. The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep Personally

One of the most comforting truths in John 10 is that Jesus knows His sheep.

Not simply in a general sense. But personally.

Jesus says,

"I know My own and My own know Me."

Our Lord knows far more than our names.  He knows our fears. Our burdens. Our temptations. Our weaknesses. Our sorrows. Our joys.

Nothing about His sheep surprises Him.

Perhaps even more amazing, He knows everything about us—and He still loves us.

The Sensualism of Gossip: Why It Feels So Good—and Why It Is So Dangerous

The Sensualism of Gossip: Why It Feels So Good—and Why It Is So Dangerous

Gossip is one of the most common sins in the church, yet one of the least discussed. We readily recognize sins like adultery or murder, but gossip often slips by unnoticed because it can sound spiritual, harmless, or even helpful. Scripture, however, paints a very different picture.

Why Gossip Is So Attractive

Proverbs describes gossip as a “dainty morsel”—something that is pleasurable to consume (Proverbs 18:8; 26:22). Gossip appeals to our sinful nature because it satisfies our curiosity, feeds our pride, and gives us the thrill of possessing “inside information.”  Many church splits began as harmless "conversations."

It feels satisfying because it:

• Makes us feel important or “in the know.”
• Provides excitement beyond the routine of everyday life.
• Gives us opportunities to judge others while subtly elevating ourselves.

Like forbidden fruit, gossip offers temporary pleasure while producing lasting destruction.

What Is Gossip?

Biblically, gossip involves spreading personal, private, or damaging information—whether true or false—that serves selfish purposes rather than loving one’s neighbor.

The defining issue is not simply whether the information is accurate. True information can still be gossip if it unnecessarily damages someone’s reputation, betrays confidence, or stirs division.

A helpful few questions to ask are: Am I becoming part of the solution, or am I simply spreading the problem?  In view of my role, is this something I should be inserting myself in?

If sharing the information does not lovingly help resolve the issue in a biblical, God-honoring manner, it likely has crossed into gossip.

Common Forms of Gossip

Gossip often disguises itself in respectable clothing.

One familiar example is the “prayer request” that includes unnecessary details about another person’s failures. While presented as concern, it may simply become a socially acceptable way to spread private information.

Another common misconception is believing that withholding confidential information is dishonest. Scripture teaches the opposite. Faithful friends protect confidences. Not every story belongs to us to tell.  Betrayed confidentiality can create relational problems and trust issues for years to come.

Wisdom knows when to speak—and when loving silence honors God.

The Destructive Power of Gossip

Gossip damages far more than reputations.

It destroys trust, fractures friendships, divides churches, ends pastorates, and weakens ministries. Like a spark that ignites a forest fire, one careless conversation can create consequences far beyond what anyone intended.

Once words are released, they cannot easily be retrieved.

A Matter of Discipleship

Overcoming gossip requires more than simply speaking less. It requires spiritual transformation.

Believers should regularly examine their own hearts by asking:

• Am I sharing unverified information?
• Am I saying this to build someone up or tear someone down?
• Am I trying to make myself appear wiser, more important, or more righteous?
• Would I say these same words if the person were standing beside me?

Discipleship also involves becoming a godly listener. When someone begins sharing gossip, love sometimes means graciously stopping the conversation:

“I don’t think we should be talking about this. Have you spoken to that person directly?”  

One pastor suggests giving a Christian gossip two days to inform the person who was being talked about behind his or back that I said this and this to so and so last night.  If you don't, I will.  Gossip culture in the church is a weed that spreads and kills.  By refusing to participate, we prevent gossip from spreading further.

Poisoning the Wells: Why Character Assassination Is Satan’s Most Effective Weapon

Brook Moes warns that, "Character assassination is one of the most destructive forces in Satan’s arsenal because it dismantles the very foundation of persuasion.

Consider this: A person may possess extraordinary logos (profound knowledge, sharp intellect, and the rare ability to articulate truth with clarity and precision). They may also carry remarkable pathos (the emotional depth, sincerity, and charisma that can stir hearts and move people toward conviction).

Yet if their character (ethos) is successfully slandered, all of that power evaporates.

Their words, even if they were speaking the very oracles of God, will be rejected outright. The truth that could rescue a soul, revive a church, or even preserve a nation falls on deaf ears.

This is no accident. Scripture identifies Satan as “the accuser of the brethren,” and his very name means “slanderer.” From the very beginning in Eden, his strategy has been the same: undermine trust in the Messenger so that the Message is never received. “Has God really said…?”

This is why we must be extraordinarily careful. Before we lend any credibility to accusations against someone’s character (especially public accusations) we should demand clear, demonstrable, and widely corroborated evidence, preferably from their own words or actions. And even then, we should recognize in this day how easily words and situations can be twisted in an era of such group think.

Conspiracy theories, lingering bitterness, and reckless slander are slowing the advance of the Gospel in our day just as effectively as false teaching and wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Be slow to believe the worst about others, whether they stand on a national platform or sit in the pew beside you. The enemy is a master at poisoning wells. Don’t become his unwitting accomplices."