Jesus: Our Good Shepherd Who Sees and Cares

 

Summary

Today, we reflected on the beautiful truth that Jesus is our Good Shepherd, the one who knows us intimately, cares for us deeply, and never loses sight of us, no matter where we are or what we’re facing. Drawing from both scripture and the real-life experiences of a shepherdess, we explored how the relationship between sheep and shepherd offers a powerful picture of God’s attentive, patient, and loving care for each of us. Just as a shepherd knows every sheep by name and is attuned to their needs, Jesus knows each of us—our struggles, our fears, our joys, and our needs—better than we know ourselves.

We considered the story of Hagar, who in her moment of desperation encountered God as El Roi, “the God who sees.” This name reminds us that even when we feel invisible or forgotten, God’s eyes are always on us. He sees our pain, our confusion, and our longing, and He responds with compassion and guidance. The Hebrew word for “shepherd” is closely related to this idea of being seen and cared for, showing us that God’s shepherding is not distant or mechanical, but personal and full of understanding.

Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, not only leads and protects us, but also desires a close relationship with us. The more time we spend with Him—listening to His voice, learning His word, and walking in His ways—the more we recognize His guidance and are able to discern His voice from all others. Like sheep who know their shepherd’s call, we grow in confidence and trust as we follow Him.

We also acknowledged that life brings seasons of feeling lost, weak, or unsure, much like the little lamb separated from its flock. Yet, unlike human shepherds who may grow impatient or make mistakes, Jesus is perfectly patient and always knows when and how to intervene. He never misses a detail of our lives, and nothing is too small or too great for His concern.

Ultimately, we are reminded that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, known and loved by the One who created us. Our Good Shepherd is always present, always watching, and always ready to lead us into green pastures, restore our souls, and walk with us through every valley.

Key Takeaways

- God Sees and Knows You Intimately
Just as Hagar discovered God as El Roi, “the God who sees,” we are never invisible to Him. Even in our loneliest or most desperate moments, God is fully aware of our circumstances and emotions. His shepherding care is rooted in this deep, personal knowledge—He sees us, understands us, and meets us right where we are. [08:50]

- The Good Shepherd’s Patience Surpasses Human Limits
Human shepherds, no matter how loving, can grow weary or make mistakes, but Jesus never does. His patience with us is perfect; He never gives up, even when we wander or struggle to find our way. We can always cry out to Him, knowing He treasures us and is eager to guide us back to safety and wholeness. [03:36]

- Our Relationship with Jesus Grows Through Time and Attention
Sheep learn to recognize their shepherd’s voice by spending time with him, and the same is true for us with Jesus. The more we invest in knowing Him—through prayer, scripture, and quiet listening—the more attuned we become to His guidance. This intimacy helps us discern His voice above the noise of the world and follow Him with confidence. [13:50]

- God’s Care Is Both Powerful and Personal
The God who created the universe also knit each of us together with care and intention. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, but He chooses to work in our lives according to the power at work within us. Our willingness to trust, obey, and walk with Him opens the door for His miraculous and loving intervention. [11:29]

- Nothing Is Too Small or Too Great for the Good Shepherd’s Concern
Jesus never overlooks any detail of our lives. Whether we are facing monumental challenges or small daily struggles, He is attentive and ready to act. Unlike human shepherds who may miss a need or misjudge a situation, Jesus always knows exactly what we require and intervenes with perfect wisdom and love. [19:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[02:20] - The Good Shepherd: Book Study Background
[03:36] - Lessons from a Real Shepherdess
[06:22] - Jesus Declares: I Am the Good Shepherd
[08:50] - Hagar and El Roi: The God Who Sees
[11:29] - God’s Intimate Knowledge of Us
[13:50] - Knowing the Shepherd’s Voice
[15:40] - Psalm 23 and the Shepherd’s Care
[17:30] - Life with the Sheep: Ancient and Modern
[19:50] - The Perfect Shepherd’s Watchful Eye
[22:10] - Trusting the Shepherd in Every Season
[24:00] - Closing Reflections on God’s Love

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Jesus Our Good Shepherd

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### Bible Reading

- John 10:14 (NKJV)
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”

- Genesis 16:13 (NKJV)
“Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, ‘Have I also here seen Him who sees me?’”

- Psalm 23:1-4 (NKJV)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

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### Observation Questions

1. In John 10:14, what does Jesus say about His relationship with His sheep? How does this compare to the way a real shepherd knows their sheep? [06:22]

2. According to Genesis 16:13, what name does Hagar give to God, and what does it reveal about God’s character? [08:50]

3. In Psalm 23, what are some specific ways the shepherd cares for the sheep? How does David describe the shepherd’s presence during difficult times? [15:40]

4. The sermon shared a story about a shepherdess and a lost lamb. What did this story show about the difference between human patience and the patience of Jesus, our Good Shepherd? [03:36]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it important that Jesus calls Himself the “Good Shepherd” and not just any shepherd? What does this say about His care and attention to us? [06:22]

2. Hagar felt unseen and alone, but God revealed Himself as “the God who sees.” How might this truth change the way someone views their own struggles or loneliness? [08:50]

3. The sermon mentioned that sheep learn to recognize their shepherd’s voice by spending time with him. What does this suggest about how believers can grow in recognizing God’s guidance? [13:50]

4. The shepherdess admitted she sometimes grew impatient or made mistakes, but Jesus never does. How does knowing Jesus’ patience is perfect affect the way we approach Him with our needs or failures? [03:36]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “He hears you, He answers you, He never gives up on you.” Is there an area in your life where you’ve felt like giving up or thought God might be tired of your struggles? What would it look like to trust His patience in that area this week? [03:36]

2. Hagar called God “the God who sees.” Have you ever felt invisible or overlooked, even by people close to you? How does it change things to know that God always sees and understands you? [08:50]

3. The more time sheep spend with their shepherd, the more they know his voice. What is one practical way you can spend more intentional time with Jesus this week—through prayer, reading, or quiet listening? [13:50]

4. The sermon reminded us that nothing is too small or too great for Jesus’ concern. Is there something in your life you’ve been hesitant to bring to God because it feels too minor or too overwhelming? What’s stopping you from bringing it to Him now? [19:50]

5. Psalm 23 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Is there a “valley” you’re walking through right now? How can you remind yourself of God’s presence and care in that situation? [15:40]

6. The sermon talked about how God “knitted us together” and knows us better than we know ourselves. How does this truth affect your sense of worth or identity, especially when you’re struggling with self-doubt? [11:29]

7. The shepherdess said, “Don’t hesitate to call out to Him today and every day because He treasures you and wants to walk every step of your life with you.” What is one step you can take this week to invite Jesus into a specific part of your daily routine or decision-making? [03:36]

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Devotional

Day 1: Jesus, Our Good Shepherd, Knows and Cares for Us
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows each of His sheep intimately, cares for them with perfect patience, and never gives up on them, no matter how many times they wander or struggle to find their way. He is always present, guiding, providing, and calling us by name, even when we feel lost or insignificant. Just as a shepherd is attentive to every need of the flock, Jesus is attentive to every detail of our lives, offering us the resources and guidance we need to grow and change. No matter how many times we feel stuck or alone, we can trust that He hears our cries and treasures us deeply, walking every step of our journey with us. [03:36]

John 10:14 (NKJV)
"I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel lost or overlooked, and how can you intentionally call out to Jesus today, trusting that He hears and cares for you?


Day 2: God Sees You—You Are Never Invisible to Him
God is El Roi, the God who sees, who knows exactly where you are and what you are going through, even when you feel unseen or misunderstood by others. Just as Hagar discovered in the wilderness, God’s eyes are always upon you, understanding your fears, troubles, and every emotion you experience. There is never a moment when you are out of His sight or beyond His care; He is attentive to your needs and ready to guide you, no matter how isolated you may feel. You are not invisible to God—He sees you, values you, and is present with you in every circumstance. [08:50]

Genesis 16:13 (NKJV)
"Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, 'You are the God who sees'; for she said, 'Have I also here seen Him who sees me?'"

Reflection: When have you felt unseen or misunderstood, and how does knowing that God sees you change the way you approach those moments?


Day 3: You Are Wonderfully Made and Deeply Known
Each person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God, who knows every detail about us—even before we were born, He knit us together with care and purpose. Our uniqueness and value are not accidents; they are the result of God’s intentional design and loving craftsmanship. Even as our bodies and circumstances change over time, we can be grateful for the way God has created us and trust that He understands every part of our being. This truth invites us to praise Him for His marvelous works and to rest in the assurance that we are fully known and loved by our Creator. [11:29]

Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)
"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well."

Reflection: What is one thing about yourself—physical, emotional, or spiritual—that you can thank God for today, recognizing it as part of His wonderful design?


Day 4: The Shepherd’s Voice—Learning to Hear and Follow
The more time we spend with Jesus, our Good Shepherd, the more clearly we recognize His voice and are able to distinguish it from all others. Just as sheep know the unique voice of their shepherd and respond only to him, we are called to cultivate closeness with Jesus through prayer, His Word, and daily relationship. This intimacy helps us ignore the counterfeit voices that seek to distract or mislead us, and instead, follow the path He sets before us with confidence and trust. [15:40]

John 10:27 (NKJV)
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

Reflection: What practical step can you take today to spend intentional time with Jesus, so you can better recognize and respond to His voice?


Day 5: The Lord Is My Shepherd—He Provides, Guides, and Comforts
The Lord is our Shepherd who provides for every need, leads us to places of rest and refreshment, restores our souls, and walks with us through every valley and trial. His presence brings comfort, protection, and assurance, even in the face of fear or uncertainty. We can trust that His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, and that He is always watching over us with perfect love and wisdom, never missing a single detail that concerns us. [19:50]

Psalm 23:1-6 (NKJV)
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever."

Reflection: Where do you need the Shepherd’s provision, guidance, or comfort most right now, and how can you invite Him to meet you in that specific area today?

Quotes

The good shepherd speaks to us and gives us the resources we need to grow and change. He is always there, even when day after day, we just can't find our way to the gate. Know this about the good shepherd. He hears you, he answers you, he never gives up on you. [00:04:52] (19 seconds)


Now, you know, sometimes in our lives, we don't think sometimes that God sees us, that he sees where we are, that he sees what we're going through and knows what we're going through. And we don't understand that he always sees us. He always knows where we are. [00:08:21] (15 seconds)


And so in the same way, Jesus sees us as his sheep, you and me. He sees us as his sheep. And he watches over us just as God saw and watched over Hagar. His eyes were upon her. He knew where she was and what she was going through. He cares about what happens to us. [00:11:53] (19 seconds)


We must not fall into that trap then about the enemy with the enemy's tactic and what he tries to have make us feel unseen unimportant or unloved psalm 139 14 says i will praise you for i am fearfully and wonderfully made marvelous are your works and that my soul now knows very well so that tells me when i read that scripture that jesus knows everything about me everything about me he has known me since the world was created and before i was ever born he knew me there's another scripture in psalms that said he knew me even in my mother's womb before i was born he knitted me together he did the same for every human being he knitted each person together and made them who they are isn't that amazing isn't that wonderful when you think about that [00:14:28] (52 seconds)


Shepherds spend so much time with their sheep that the sheep learn to know the voice of their own shepherd which we've heard that many times some time ago then this is the woman who read who wrote this section she said some time ago my sister was at my house when it was time to do evening chores i asked her to call in my sheep she called just like i instructed her but they completely ignored her she had to send out my herding dog before they made their way to the pen as they got halfway in i called them their heads shot up and they hightailed it to the gate there's probably no one whose voice sounds more like mine than my sisters yet the sheep could tell couldn't could tell me still it was the difference they ignored her voice but recognized mine and obeyed likewise the more time you and i spend with the good shepherd the easier it is for us to hear and know his voice and ignore counterfeit voices voices that they don't recognize [00:19:06] (64 seconds)


He is the good shepherd who sees me he sees me and he sees you all of us he sees us and he cares about what happens to us and i hope that you will when you think of him as that good shepherd that you will think about some of these things i touched upon that he is he cares for you so much that there is nothing that's too hard for him that he wants you to rely upon him because there's so many things that we can't change and that we can't do in our own lives that we can't correct it but he is our shepherd he is our good shepherd he's watching everything that happens to us he knows he knows where we go he knows what what we experience and what's happening in our lives and in our family's lives and he wants to intervene [00:23:44] (48 seconds)


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