Fourth Sunday of Easter: Good Shepherd Sunday

Sermon Text: Psalm 23

Other Readings: Ezekiel 34:25-31, Revelation 7:9-17, and John 10:22-30

 

1. Both Revelation 7:14 and Psalm 23:1 can refer to Jesus. When you compare those two verses, what is seemingly contradictory? How does that “contradiction” give you twice the comfort?

 

2. The green pastures and quiet waters of verse 2 can be found in God’s Word. How would you describe the restoration your soul gets when you read your favorite passages from God’s Word?

 

3. Read verse 2. What do you think the phrase “for his name’s sake” means? How would you explain that?

 

4. This world is full of valleys with plenty of evil things, but David assures you that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. When you do, what are some of the evil things you won’t have to endure? Read Revelation 7:16,17.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Jesus is both the Lamb of God and the Shepherd. He has died for our sins (Lamb of God) but has taken his life back up again to guide us to heaven (Good Shepherd).

 

2. Answers will vary.

 

3. One commentator on this verse put it this way, “When the Good Shepherd gives rest to his people, they experience the real meaning of his Savior name [Yahweh]. He provides rest, not because his people deserve it but ‘for his name’s sake,’ that is, because he must be true to his nature and his promises. God provides rest ‘for his name’s sake’ when he enhances the honor due to his name by proving that he is true to his gospel promises” (Dr. John Brug in A Commentary on Psalms 1-72).

 

 

4. Revelation tells us that in heaven we won’t have to endure hunger, thirst, scorching heat, crying, or sadness!