“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” With these gentle yet triumphant words, Psalm 23 unveils the heart of our Savior. Jesus is not distant, aloof, or indifferent—He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, calls us by name, and leads us with perfect love.
Martin Luther once wrote that this psalm is “a hymn of praise in which one gives thanks to God for His blessings, especially for the Word, by which He governs His church and makes it fruitful,” Luther wrote in Luther’s Works, Vol. 10. That is the green pasture the psalm speaks of—not just peaceful feelings, but the nourishing, life-giving Word through which Christ feeds and restores His flock. Whenever the Good Shepherd brings us to Scripture, He places before us rich grass for the soul: promises that calm our fears, truth that strengthens our trust, and mercy that quiets our restless hearts.
Luther also notes that in this psalm, “the table is the Gospel, which comforts and strengthens against sin, death, and the devil.” Here the Good Shepherd leads us to His Sacraments—the still waters that cleanse and the overflowing cup that sustains. In Baptism He claims us as His own; in the Holy Supper He feeds us with His very Body and Blood, placing forgiveness and life directly into our mouths. These are not symbolic comforts—they are real, tangible gifts from our Shepherd who delights in caring for His sheep.
And as He leads us through life, He walks with us through death’s dark valley as well. But we do not fear, for the Shepherd has already passed through death and risen again. His rod and staff guide us safely beyond the grave.
The final pasture awaits—the perfect, eternal green field of heaven. There the Good Shepherd will lead us home, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.
Prayer – Our Good Shepherd, feed and restore us by Your Word and Sacraments. Keep us ever mindful of Your care and protection, until we dwell in Your house forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
In Christ’s service,
Rev. Richard S. Cody
Fourth Vice President, Missouri District