The Shepherd in the Valley: Psalm 23 and the Death of John the Baptist

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Psalm 23:1

John the Baptist died in a prison cell. He died at the hands of corrupt power and for the sake of truth. And yet—even there—he lacked nothing. He was not alone.

John’s death, recorded in Matthew 14, is more than a historical tragedy. It’s a moment full of theological depth and emotional tension. Jesus, fully God and fully man, felt that tension. He was physically distant, yet spiritually present. As the Shepherd, He watched over His forerunner even in death.

Rest in the Midst of Ruin

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”

Did John know this peace? Did he feel the stillness of God’s presence in that cold, dark cell?

He likely felt sorrow—maybe even loneliness. But the pasture wasn’t absent. John was already there, led into spiritual stillness out of holy obligation to his calling. Even in chains, the Shepherd was near, providing rest beneath the suffering.

And Jesus—when He hears of John’s death—withdraws to a solitary place. Not into a desert of despair, but into the green pastures and still waters of Psalm 23. He goes not out of obligation, but obedience—to be with the Father, and, in a spiritual sense, to draw near to John.

In the mystery of divine communion, the two kindred souls—Jesus and John—find rest in the same pasture. One who had finished his course. One who was preparing to walk into His. Both finding peace in the Shepherd’s care.

Restored for Righteousness

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

John’s soul was truly restored—not just refreshed, but glorified. He entered into the worshipful presence of the Lord, the reward of the righteous. And Jesus? After withdrawing, He returns to the crowd with compassion, strengthened to continue His path of ministry. Even in mourning, He moves forward to glorify God.

The Valley Is Not the End

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”

The valley is real. Evil is real. John was murdered, and the shadow of death loomed large. But he wasn’t alone. God’s presence surrounded him, even in his final moments. Jesus, too, saw His own valley ahead—the cross—and He stepped toward it willingly. In both valleys, God’s justice and comfort remain.

A Table in the Presence of Enemies

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…”

John’s enemies celebrated his death grotesquely—with his severed head as part of their banquet. But they only saw the flesh. In reality, John was welcomed to a far greater table—the table of the Lord. His soul was anointed, not with oil, but with immortality. His cup overflowed, not with wrath, but with the wine of divine love and victory.

Forever in the House of the Lord

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me… and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Jesus knew the cost of securing that promise. Soon, He would pay it—so that John, and every adopted son and daughter, could dwell forever in the Father’s house.

Even in sorrow, even in loss, the Shepherd is near. He walks with us through the valleys. He prepares a place for us. And He leads us home.

“Now when Jesus heard this, He withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by Himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed Him… He had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:13–14)

He is still the Shepherd. He is still the Healer. He is still with us.

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