The Good Shepherd Walked Out of the Tomb!

Life triumphs over death. And our Good Shepherd has walked out of the tomb — alive, victorious, and calling us by name!!!

This year, as I’ve sat with the Gospel story, one image keeps stirring in my heart: Jesus as the Good Shepherd — not just laying down His life for the sheep (John 10:11), but rising again to lead us into life eternal. It’s tender, triumphant, and deeply personal. DID YOU KNOW THERE WAS FULFILLMENT WHEN HE WALKED OUT OF THAT TOMB AS THE GOOD SHEPHERD!? 1. The Shepherd Emerges from the Shadow of Death (Psalm 23)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” — Psalm 23:4

In Psalm 23, David describes the Lord as his Shepherd, guiding him even through death’s darkest valley.

When Jesus—the Good Shepherd (John 10:11)—walks out of the tomb, He quite literally leads His sheep out of the valley of death into life.

He doesn't just accompany us through death metaphorically — He entered death fully, then walked back out, leading the way for us.

This moment fulfilled David’s ancient song. The Shepherd didn't just guide sheep through danger—He overcame it.

It’s a walk out of Sheol, and it changes everything.

2. The Shepherd Who Became a Lamb… Then Rose Again

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” — John 1:29

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain…” — Revelation 5:12

The Good Shepherd (John 10) became the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), sacrificed in our place. In doing so, He fulfilled Isaiah 53, where it says:

“He was led like a lamb to the slaughter…”

And after being the Lamb, He rose again as the Shepherd — restored to His rightful position of leadership, authority, and divine love.

So when He walks out of the tomb, it’s not just the Lamb emerging from death.

It’s the Lamb-Shepherd, the One who died as us and now lives for us, coming to lead His sheep forever (Hebrews 13:20 calls Him the “great Shepherd of the sheep, who was brought back from the dead”).

3. The Stone Rolled Away for the Shepherd's Return

In John 10:3, Jesus says:

“He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.”

In ancient sheepfolds, shepherds would sleep across the entrance at night, becoming the literal door (John 10:7). No sheep could go in or out unless the shepherd allowed it.

Now think of the tomb. A heavy stone blocked the entrance — a seal of death, finality, and despair.

But on Resurrection morning?

The stone was rolled away.

The Shepherd walks out—not as a lamb being led to death, but as the Leader of a new exodus from death.

Historically and symbolically, this is Jesus leading His sheep out of captivity, out of sin, and into the promise of life eternal.

4. Fulfillment of Ancient Prophecy: Ezekiel 34

Ezekiel 34 prophesied that God Himself would come to shepherd His people, because earthly leaders had failed.

“I myself will search for my sheep and look after them… I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered… I will place over them one Shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them.” — Ezekiel 34:11–12, 23

Jesus walking out of the tomb was the moment that prophecy was fulfilled.

He is the Davidic Shepherd-King, risen and ready to gather His scattered, weary sheep and bring them home.

5. The Shepherd Who Defeated the Wolves

In John 10:12, Jesus contrasts Himself with a hired hand:

“The hired hand runs away when he sees the wolf coming… but the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

What happens when a shepherd doesn’t just fight the wolves (evil, sin, death), but lets them consume Him — and then comes back to life?

That’s Jesus.

Historically, shepherds were known for their bravery (think David and the lion and bear). But Jesus takes it to the next level: He dies in our place, and then rises with the wolves’ teeth broken — death defanged, the enemy defeated.

6. Ancient Imagery of the Shepherd as Savior-King

In early Jewish and Greco-Roman imagery, the shepherd often symbolized kingship, care, and divine protection. Pharaohs, Roman emperors, and Greek gods were depicted holding shepherd's staffs to show dominion and benevolence.

So when Jesus—the suffering, crucified King—rises from the dead as the Shepherd, He reclaims not just spiritual authority, but cosmic kingship.

His resurrection is not just personal—it’s universal. He’s the King who conquers, not by domination, but by laying down His life and rising again to lead with love. 💛 ...The Saturday between crucifixion and resurrection was long and silent. But on Sunday morning, light pierced the grave.

Psalm 139 now sings a new truth:

“If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there... even the darkness is not dark to You.” — Psalm 139:8,12

He went there.

He came back.

And now, there’s no place your Shepherd won’t go to find you.

As we celebrate this glorious morning, let’s soak in the words of Hebrews 12:1-3 (TPT):

“So we must let go of every wound… and run life’s marathon race with passion… We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection.”

Yes, He leads us forward — like the Shepherd who goes before His sheep (John 10:4).

He didn’t just rise. He rose to lead.

To bring you out of fear, failure, sin, shame, and sorrow…

and into joy, peace, purpose, and resurrection life.

You Are Known. You Are Loved. You Are Led.

Sweet friend, the Good Shepherd is alive.

He’s calling your name.

He’s going ahead of you into every valley and every mountaintop.

You don’t have to know the way.

You just have to follow the voice of Love.

“Jesus Christ is risen today — hallelujah!”

Rejoice! The tomb is empty, your heart is full, and the Shepherd is near.