When Jesus saw the crowd, he commented “they are like sheep without a shepherd”—utterly vulnerable, totally dependent, and in desperate need of care. Just as sheep cannot survive without a faithful shepherd, we cannot truly live without Christ, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Pastor Steve Schobert proclaims that what we need most is not more strength or more answers, but a Savior—and His name is Jesus.
Some of us walked into this year with goals, plans, and a fresh set of “this time I’m going to do better” intentions. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to grow. But Pastor Steve Schobert made a clear point: a new year doesn’t just reveal what we want—it reveals what we’re missing.
We resolve to be happier because we don’t feel happy often enough. We resolve to get healthier because we know we’re not where we want to be. We resolve to save more, fix more, improve more—because deep down, we sense life could be better.
And then Jesus steps into that exhausting cycle with one of the most comforting statements in all of Scripture:
“I am the good shepherd.”
Not a self-help program. Not a motivational slogan. Not a “try harder.”
A Shepherd.
Sheep Without a Shepherd Still Happens Today
Jesus looked at the crowds in His day and saw people who were weary and scattered—distressed, distracted, harassed, worried, dejected, and helpless. And His diagnosis wasn’t complicated:
“They are like sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)
That isn’t just ancient language. That’s Monday morning in Garland, rush hour in Dallas, a packed schedule in Plano, and an anxious mind in Richardson or McKinney. People are tired—not because they’re lazy, but because they’re carrying loads they were never designed to carry.
When you don’t have a shepherd, you end up trying to be your own provider, protector, guide, and healer. And eventually you burn out.
Why the Shepherd Metaphor Matters
Most of us don’t hang around sheep, so we can miss the force of the imagery. Pastor Schobert explained it plainly: sheep are completely dependent.
Sheep can’t provide for themselves
Sheep don’t naturally hunt out feeding grounds. They must be led to pasture and guided to water. Without direction, they wander into scarcity.
Sheep can’t protect themselves
Sheep can’t kick, claw, or fight back. Their instinct is to run—and they’re not very good at it. In a world with predators, a sheep without a shepherd doesn’t last long.
And that’s the spiritual picture Jesus is painting. Without a shepherd, people become scattered—drained by fear, pulled by temptation, and exhausted by trying to control outcomes.
Jesus Is the Door and the Shepherd
Pastor Schobert anchored the message in John 10:7–18. Jesus doesn’t just offer help—He identifies Himself as the only safe entry point.
“I am the door”
Jesus said:
“If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
That’s safety and freedom. Shelter and nourishment. Not confinement—pasture.
The thief has a plan, too
Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat it:
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10)
The enemy’s goal isn’t to annoy you. It’s to take your life—your peace, your joy, your confidence, your family, your faith—one slow bite at a time.
Jesus came for abundant life
But then comes the promise:
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
This is not “barely make it” Christianity. This is overflowing life—life anchored, protected, guided, and cared for by a Shepherd who never clocks out.
The Difference Between a Hireling and a Shepherd
Jesus contrasts Himself with a hireling—someone who shows up for the benefits but disappears when pressure hits.
A hireling runs when the wolf comes
A hireling doesn’t own the sheep. He doesn’t have covenant care. So when danger shows up, he protects himself and leaves the flock exposed.
The Good Shepherd lays down His life
Jesus doesn’t run. He doesn’t abandon. He doesn’t negotiate His commitment.
“The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
That’s why you can trust Him in what’s uncertain. His love isn’t seasonal. His care isn’t dependent on your performance. His presence isn’t fragile.
Psalm 23 Isn’t a Poster—It’s a Promise
Pastor Schobert brought the message home through David’s words:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)
David had resources, weapons, influence, and mighty men—yet he still said, “I’m as helpless as a lamb without the Lord.”
Green pastures and still waters are about security
Sheep only lie down when they are fully satisfied and free from fear. Pastor Schobert described it like this: if they’re hungry, they graze; if they’re thirsty, they wander; if they’re afraid, they run.
So when David says, “He makes me lie down,” it’s not about laziness. It’s about a Shepherd so faithful that you can rest in the middle of God’s provision.
The Shepherd restores what life drains
“He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:3)
When you’re weary, He strengthens. When you’re sad, He renews joy. When you’re depleted, He breathes life back into you. The Shepherd isn’t only for emergencies—He’s for restoration.
The Shepherd leads—He doesn’t just drive
David remembered calling the sheep by name, walking ahead, and watching them follow because they recognized his voice. That’s the picture Jesus gives us: relationship before direction.
The Valley Is Real—But You’re Not Alone
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)
Pastor Schobert reminded us that following Jesus doesn’t prevent valleys—but it changes how you walk through them.
The valley is “through,” not “forever”
Sickness, trauma, relational tension, loneliness, financial strain—these valleys are real. But you don’t have to be afraid, because you aren’t walking alone.
The rod and staff are comfort, not threat
The rod (club) was for predators. The staff was to guide and pull the sheep back when they drifted. The sheep didn’t fear the Shepherd’s tools—they found comfort in them.
And so can we. God’s protection and correction aren’t punishments—they’re proof we’re cared for.
What You Really Need
Here’s the line that turned the whole invitation:
The gospel doesn’t just say Jesus meets your needs.
It says Jesus meets you—and that’s what you need most.
We often bring God a list, and sometimes we don’t even know what should be on it. We can “ask amiss.” But when we come under the lordship of Jesus—when we come close to the Shepherd—everything else starts falling into place.
If you’ve been weary, distracted, worried, or overwhelmed, the answer isn’t just “try harder.” It’s get closer.
Hear His voice. Follow His lead. Stay near the Shepherd.
Because the Lord is your Shepherd—and He takes good care of you.
