The Shepherd Psalms…

 

Warren Wiersbe Summary of Psalm 22, 23, 24…

The Shepherd Psalms Psalms 22, 23, and 24 are sometimes called the “Shepherd Psalms” because they speak of Jesus Christ in His shepherding ministry. In Psalm 22, the Good Shepherd dies for the sheep (John 10:11). In Psalm 23, the Great Shepherd lives and cares for the sheep (Heb. 13:20–21). In Psalm 24, the Chief Shepherd returns in glory for the sheep (1 Pet. 5:4). If you are one of His sheep, your every need is met as you trust Him and follow His leading.

Psalm 22

Crucifixion (1–21). Because he was a prophet (Acts 2:30), David was able to write about the Messiah centuries before He came. Crucifixion was not a Jewish form of capital punishment, yet David described it accurately. As you read, you see Jesus at Calvary: His cry to the Father (v. 1; Matt. 27:46); the period of darkness (v. 2; Matt. 27:45); the ridicule of the people (vv. 6–8; Matt. 27:39–44); His thirst and pain (vv. 14–15; John 19:28); His pierced hands and feet (v. 16; Luke 24:39); and the gambling for His clothes (v. 18; John 19:23–24). Remember, He endured all of these things for you. 

Resurrection (22–26). The Savior is no longer on the cross but is alive and in the midst of His people, leading them in praise for the mighty victory God has won (Heb. 2:11–12). The first day of the week is the memorial to His resurrection, and we follow His example by meeting with God’s people and praising the Lord. Resurrection day is victory day! 

Coronation (27–31). Christ shares the blessings of Calvary with His church (v. 22), with Israel (v. 23), and with the whole world (vv. 27–31). We must get the message out to every nation that Jesus Christ is Savior and King (v. 27): “The Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14). 

PSALM 23 

Though Psalm 23 is often read at funerals, its message applies to the days of your life right now (v. 6). The Savior who died for you also lives for you and cares for you, the way a shepherd cares for the sheep (John 10:1–18). If you can say, “The LORD is my Shepherd,” you can also say, “I shall not want.” 

The Shepherd feeds us and leads us. Sheep must have grass and water to live, and the shepherd finds those essential elements for them. God meets the everyday needs of your life as you follow Him (Ps. 37:25; Phil. 4:18). Never worry! 

If we wander, He seeks us and restores us, as He did with David, Jonah, and Peter. When we need to know which way to go, He shows us the right path and then goes before us to prepare the way. Even in the places of danger, we need not be afraid. (Note the change from “He” in vv. 1–3 to “You” in vv. 4–5.) He is with you! 

At the end of the dark valley, He has a special blessing for you: you drink of the refreshing water of life, and you receive the Spirit’s anointing. The Shepherd is there to care for every hurt and heal every bruise. One day, you will look back at your life and see that it was only “goodness and mercy,” and that includes the valley experiences. If life is difficult today, just keep following the Shepherd; He will never lead you where He cannot care for you. 

PSALM 24 

Psalm 22 points to our Lord’s grace in dying for us, and Psalm 23 explains His goodness in caring for us. This psalm reveals His glory in coming for us. 

Glory in creation (1–2). These verses remind you of Psalms 8 and 19. The world today is in travail because of sin, but the Creator will one day set His creation free (Rom. 8:18–23). 

Glory in salvation (3–6). Psalm 15 is a parallel, and both passages emphasize the fact that nobody but the Lord Jesus Christ can meet God’s qualifications to live in His holy palace. We are all like Jacob, but He is “the God of Jacob” (Ps. 46:7) and will forgive us and let us live with Him forever! 

Glory in the kingdom (7–10). These verses may originally have celebrated David’s return to Jerusalem from a great victory, but they speak to us of our King of glory. When He rode into Jerusalem, Jesus came in humility and tears (Luke 19:29–44); but when He comes again, it will be in power and great glory (Matt. 24:29ff.). Your Shepherd is the King of glory!