Lesson 3 of 3
A table and a house
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Study objective: Understand the shift from shepherd to host, and the hope at the end of the psalm.
Reading: Psalm 23:5–6John 10:11–15
Psalm 23:5–6 WEB
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. 6Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the LORD’s house forever.
John 10:11–15 WEB
11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them. 13The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own; 15even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.
Background and context
The picture changes to a host preparing a table, anointing the guest’s head with oil and filling the cup. In the ancient world a host was responsible for a guest’s safety. The psalm ends with goodness and loving kindness following the psalmist, and dwelling in the LORD’s house.
Observe
- The table is prepared “in the presence of my enemies”.
- The head is anointed and the cup overflows.
- Goodness and loving kindness “follow” all the days of life.
- Jesus calls himself the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11).
Words, people and events to notice
- Loving kindness
- God’s steadfast, faithful love toward his people, often paired with goodness and faithfulness. Psalm 136:1
Understand
- Why might the table be set in the presence of enemies?
- What follows the psalmist, and for how long?
- How does Jesus use the shepherd picture in John 10:11-15?
Connect
- John 10:11–15
Jesus as the good shepherd.
- Revelation 7:17
The Lamb will shepherd them and lead them to springs of living water.
Reflect
- Where have you seen God’s goodness following you?
- Which line of Psalm 23 will you carry with you this week?
Key takeaways
Editorial summary, not Scripture.
- God is both shepherd and generous host.
- His goodness and love pursue his people for life.
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