I love it when I see synergies between the Old and New Testaments – especially when the Old Testament points to Jesus.
On Sunday mornings at Redeemer, we’ve been going through the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus captured in the gospel of John. When I see the phrase ‘I am the good shepherd’ my mind immediately goes to Psalm 23’s ‘The Lord is my shepherd.
But the crossover doesn’t end there.
The Psalmist said:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
Jesus said:
“I am the gate; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
The psalmist said:
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Jesus said:
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”
The psalmist said
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Jesus said
“I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness but shall have the light of life.”
The psalmist said
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Jesus said:
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.”
The psalmist said
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
Jesus said:
“I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger.”
The psalmist said:
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Jesus said:
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”
The psalmist said:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
Jesus said:
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.”
The psalmist said:
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Jesus said:
“In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ... I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Jesus is the fulfilment of the scriptures. I encourage you as you read the Old Testament, look for pointers to Jesus: Prophet, Priest, King – Shepherd.
Written by Steve Page
