The Lord is My Shepherd | Psalm 23

 

Lesson Goal:

To reveal the tender love of God through the imagery captured in this quintessential Psalm. The relationship lost because of sin is restored by the good shepherd, who is presented in this Psalm as the one who provides, blesses, forgives, restores, comforts, protects, delivers, strengthens, rules, and gives eternal life.

 

Lesson Overview:

Read Psalm 23: The image of God in this Psalm is the shepherd, and His people are His sheep. He is pictured as the benevolent provider, the bringer of a peace that is satisfying and permanent, the one who restores and heals, and the deliverer from death and destruction.

 

Today"s Bible Story:

Video Courtesy of Sharefaith

 

Memory Verses:

 Psalm 23: 1-3 (ERV)

^{The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need.  He gives me green pastures to lie in.  He leads me by calm pools of water.  He restores my strength.  He leads me on right paths to show that He is good.}

Meaning:  Because the Lord is our shepherd, we have all that we need. He takes us to good places where we can find comfort, care, and rest.

John 10:11 (ERV)

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.

Meaning:  Like David, who rescued one of his little lambs from the attack of a lion, Jesus the Shepherd freely lays down His life for us. The enemy might try to kill and destroy, but Jesus came to bring us life in abundance.

 

The Big Idea:

In God, we find forgiveness, strength, protection, mercy, grace, and a love beyond understanding.

1. Provider: His sheep are never in want. When they are hungry he feeds them, and when they are thirsty he leads them to refreshing waters. He generously provides, and all their needs are met.

2. Restorer: When his sheep stray, he finds them and brings them back. When they are lured away by an enemy, his voice reminds them that they are his. He is forgiving and merciful.

3. Deliverer: With his rod and staff, he forces evil to flee, He protects from enemies both seen and unseen, He rescues, and He ultimately delivers from the curse of sin and death to bring eternal life. Talk about Jesus as the Good Shepherd and His love for all of us.

 

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You love us and that You know us each by name. Thank You that You provide what we need, protect us, and delivered us from eternal death and destruction by the enemy. Help us to remember to seek Your help and peace in times of need. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Fun Activities:

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