Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NLT) This is in contrast to the other leaders of the people in the past who were bad leaders/shepherds (Ezekiel 34:2-4). However, while many people like to be comforted by the words of Psalm 23, the blessings outlined in it are conditional. Just like the sheep follow their shepherd, so too those who want the blessings from the Good Shepherd must follow him. Just like in Jesus' time, so too today sheep respond to the voice of their shepherd. One person recounts: “...seeing many flocks mingled at a watering place. When one shepherd was ready to leave he simply walked away, making a certain sound. Immediately, his sheep separated themselves from the others and followed him. His sheep followed him because they knew his voice.” (Herschel H. Hobbs, My Favorite Illustrations (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1990), 157.) The blessings of Psalm 23 are clear and comforting. But in order to experience them, we need to be followers of Jesus: “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me,” (John 10:14, NLT) To have that relationship with the Good Shepherd, to start to follow him, we need to place our trust in him for forgiveness of sins, and for eternal life. Jesus gave up his life for us, and we ought to believe and trust in him. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NLT) “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NLT)