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The Shepherd Trilogy
A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd and His Sheep
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Any shepherd who is a good manager bears in mind one great objective. It is that his flock flourish. The continuous well-being of his sheep is his constant preoccupation. All his time, thought, skill, strength, and resources are directed to that end.
Phillip Keller has been a shepherd. He knows that his sheep have literally been the recipients of his life. The strength of his body, the enthusiasm of his spirit, the energy of his mind, the alertness of his emotions, the thrust and drive of his disposition were all directed to the well-being of his flock.
This is the graphic picture our Lord had in mind when He stated simply that He had come to give abundant life, and that as the Good Shepherd He was willing to give His life for His sheep.
In A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd and His Sheep, Phillip Keller gives us a beautiful picture of the relationship that exists between the Good Shepherd and His sheep. We who are His sheep know how often we stray, but we also know how the Good Shepherd lovingly draws us back to Himself.
As you read this book think of yourself as one of God's sheep. You will once again realize with gratitude how blessed you are because you belong to the Good Shepherd.
Any shepherd who is a good manager bears in mind one great objective. It is that his flock flourish. The continuous well-being of his sheep is his constant preoccupation. All his time, thought, skill, strength, and resources are directed to that end.
Phillip Keller has been a shepherd. He knows that his sheep have literally been the recipients of his life. The strength of his body, the enthusiasm of his spirit, the energy of his mind, the alertness of his emotions, the thrust and drive of his disposition were all directed to the well-being of his flock.
This is the graphic picture our Lord had in mind when He stated simply that He had come to give abundant life, and that as the Good Shepherd He was willing to give His life for His sheep.
In A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd and His Sheep, Phillip Keller gives us a beautiful picture of the relationship that exists between the Good Shepherd and His sheep. We who are His sheep know how often we stray, but we also know how the Good Shepherd lovingly draws us back to Himself.
As you read this book think of yourself as one of God's sheep. You will once again realize with gratitude how blessed you are because you belong to the Good Shepherd.
187 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1979
18 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
W. Phillip Keller
85 books126 followersWeldon Phillip Keller (1920-1997) wrote more than thirty-five books on Christian subjects, including his most popular book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 The son of missionary parents in Kenya, Keller grow up in Africa before becoming a world citizen as a photographer, agronomist, and author. His books have over two million copies in print.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 23, 2019
This small book is so convicting. Keller focuses on John 10 and brings unique insight as an actual sheep owner and rancher himself. The analogy the Scriptures uses of the Shepherd and His sheep is perfect and Keller’s exposition is straightforward. One quote of many I love is: “It is not who I am that makes me special to God. Rather, now, it is whose I am that makes me precious.”
I highly recommend.
2nd book of a trilogy.
I highly recommend.
2nd book of a trilogy.
August 25, 2016
I picked this up as soon as I saw it at a thrift store, thinking it was "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" (which my sister owns). Of course, after I got it home, I realized that it was a different book by Keller. And, in some ways, I think I liked it better than his exposition on Psalm 23. It was a very good read with a lot of Scripture and parallels from real shepherds. I found fascinating the study of how Jesus enters into our lives vs. how the enemy enters. The enemy "sneaks over the walls," Jesus waits to enter the right way, not deceitfully.
This book clearly portrays God as holy and righteous and man as worthless sinners -- and yet evokes a heart of gratitude to our great Savior. I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it (my only personal qualm is that he used a few different Bible translations instead of going to the original languages to explain some of the verses).
There were so many quotes I liked. And I can't narrow down which few to share, so here are all of them...
"The only One who really has a right to manage the fold of my life is not myself, but God."
"If we are not sensitive to the overtures of His Spirit and quickly responsive to the distinct promptings of His Word, we are not going to go anywhere with Him."
"It simply is not enough just to agree with what God's Spirit may have said to us. It goes far beyond even becoming emotionally exercised about what we have heard. It is possible for people to weep tears of bitterness or remorse yet never move toward God. It is equally ineffective for individuals to become merely ecstatic about some spiritual issue, for, when the emotion has passed, they are still standing precisely where they were before the call came from Christ."
"It is presumption of the worst sort to claim His commitments to us, made so freely and in such generosity, while at the same time refusing to comply with His commands or wishes because of our own inherent selfish desires."
"The moment I deliberately do something definite either for God or others that costs me something, I am expressing love."
"He who has no sense of self-importance cannot be offended or deflated."
"We are often quick to forget our blessings, slow to forget our misfortunes."
"What Christ asks us to do as His followers is to concentrate on keeping close to Him....There is simply no substitute for this wondrous relationship with Him in a warped world."
"We enjoy the joy of the Lord to the degree we are indwelt by the very Spirit of God. We express the love of God to the measure we allow ourselves to be indwelt by God Himself."
"We love Him because He first loved us.
We love others because He first loved us.
We love at all because He first loved us."
"A good environment does not guarantee good men. But noble men do generate an improved environment."
"The man who would know God must be prepared to give time to Him."
This book clearly portrays God as holy and righteous and man as worthless sinners -- and yet evokes a heart of gratitude to our great Savior. I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it (my only personal qualm is that he used a few different Bible translations instead of going to the original languages to explain some of the verses).
There were so many quotes I liked. And I can't narrow down which few to share, so here are all of them...
"The only One who really has a right to manage the fold of my life is not myself, but God."
"If we are not sensitive to the overtures of His Spirit and quickly responsive to the distinct promptings of His Word, we are not going to go anywhere with Him."
"It simply is not enough just to agree with what God's Spirit may have said to us. It goes far beyond even becoming emotionally exercised about what we have heard. It is possible for people to weep tears of bitterness or remorse yet never move toward God. It is equally ineffective for individuals to become merely ecstatic about some spiritual issue, for, when the emotion has passed, they are still standing precisely where they were before the call came from Christ."
"It is presumption of the worst sort to claim His commitments to us, made so freely and in such generosity, while at the same time refusing to comply with His commands or wishes because of our own inherent selfish desires."
"The moment I deliberately do something definite either for God or others that costs me something, I am expressing love."
"He who has no sense of self-importance cannot be offended or deflated."
"We are often quick to forget our blessings, slow to forget our misfortunes."
"What Christ asks us to do as His followers is to concentrate on keeping close to Him....There is simply no substitute for this wondrous relationship with Him in a warped world."
"We enjoy the joy of the Lord to the degree we are indwelt by the very Spirit of God. We express the love of God to the measure we allow ourselves to be indwelt by God Himself."
"We love Him because He first loved us.
We love others because He first loved us.
We love at all because He first loved us."
"A good environment does not guarantee good men. But noble men do generate an improved environment."
"The man who would know God must be prepared to give time to Him."
November 23, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book.
May 21, 2024
Although not as insightful as Keller's original "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23," nevertheless, this is a solid-follow up with some good insight from John chapter 10.
As with his original book, Keller's experience as a real-life shepherd for many years gives valuable insight into all things sheep and a shepherd. He uses this firsthand experience to provide helpful nuggets of truth in explaining John chapter 10.
As with his original book, Keller's experience as a real-life shepherd for many years gives valuable insight into all things sheep and a shepherd. He uses this firsthand experience to provide helpful nuggets of truth in explaining John chapter 10.
August 7, 2024
This second book of the Shepherd Trilogy by Philip Keller has brought peace to my soul as I really contemplated who it is who is taking care of me… Who it is I am following. It is amazing that I have the very best shepherd available who gave his life for me and is daily sustaining me and will sustain me for eternity ♥️.
March 13, 2017
I read the first book before, and loved it! This one is just as excellent! I hope to find the last one, and the author's other books. I love how he explains in great but simple detail the truths about Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
January 6, 2024
Powerful application and picture of our Christ as our Good Shepherd, and what our lives could be like if we totally surrender as "I in Him, and He in me".
September 29, 2018
Written as a sequel to the author's best-selling A SHEPHERD LOOKS AT PSALM 23, I personally didn't get as much out of this book as I have many of his others. I've read 10 or 12 by Keller and have been blessed by every one of them, so maybe this time, it was just me.
But I was certainly surprised, saddened, and honestly bewildered by the comments on p.173: "It is a mistake to imagine that eternal life, the very life of the risen Christ, is some gift dropped into the pocket of my life at some specific point in time; that once it has been bestowed I automatically have it forever. Life, any kind of life, physical, moral, or spiritual, simply is not of that sort". No Scripture references are given anywhere near these words; in fact the next verses quoted, on p.176, are the words of Jesus: "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish", a text usually cited as supporting eternal security. For any non-Christian's reading this review a word of explanation may be helpful. Some Christians (but not all) believe the Bible teaches that once an individual asks Christ to come into his life and be his Savior from the penalty of sin, that individual is changed permanently and given eternal life, a transaction which God will never reverse or undo. This concept is referred to variously as eternal security, the perseverance of the saints, or "once saved, always saved". Keller, at least in the passage quoted above, appears to be among those Christians who do not hold to this doctrine. But I have to say I have never read a hint of this in any of his other books, and even passages in this book appear to support eternal security. Why or how the cited passage was included is a mystery to me. Will I still read Keller's books and recommend them to others? Yes...just not this one.
But I was certainly surprised, saddened, and honestly bewildered by the comments on p.173: "It is a mistake to imagine that eternal life, the very life of the risen Christ, is some gift dropped into the pocket of my life at some specific point in time; that once it has been bestowed I automatically have it forever. Life, any kind of life, physical, moral, or spiritual, simply is not of that sort". No Scripture references are given anywhere near these words; in fact the next verses quoted, on p.176, are the words of Jesus: "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish", a text usually cited as supporting eternal security. For any non-Christian's reading this review a word of explanation may be helpful. Some Christians (but not all) believe the Bible teaches that once an individual asks Christ to come into his life and be his Savior from the penalty of sin, that individual is changed permanently and given eternal life, a transaction which God will never reverse or undo. This concept is referred to variously as eternal security, the perseverance of the saints, or "once saved, always saved". Keller, at least in the passage quoted above, appears to be among those Christians who do not hold to this doctrine. But I have to say I have never read a hint of this in any of his other books, and even passages in this book appear to support eternal security. Why or how the cited passage was included is a mystery to me. Will I still read Keller's books and recommend them to others? Yes...just not this one.
September 23, 2024
I was sadly disappointed with this book. With this title, I expected a book on Jesus and his role in our lives as the Good Shepherd, but that isn't what I got. This book felt much longer than it was, but that is partly because of the rambling nature of the work and the constant looking back to see what that chapter was supposed to be about (but not always seeing the connection of the content and title). Overall, not really bad, but without a truly clear topic weaving it together, it wasn't all that good either.
September 29, 2025
“That day it came home to me with great clarity that what made the difference between one sheep and another was the owner. In whose hand had they been? Who was responsible for breeding, raising, and shepherding them? Was it a grand flockmaster?
Was it a superb sheepman?
And so it is with us. Are we in God’s hands? Who is handling us, shaping us? Whose are we? Whose life is molding mine?”
My answer is the Lord God! Jesus owns my life and I am one of His sheep. This book was a sweet reminder, and yet a solemn call to trust in Him with your life.
Was it a superb sheepman?
And so it is with us. Are we in God’s hands? Who is handling us, shaping us? Whose are we? Whose life is molding mine?”
My answer is the Lord God! Jesus owns my life and I am one of His sheep. This book was a sweet reminder, and yet a solemn call to trust in Him with your life.
October 9, 2025
This was a good, solid book. Keller’s experience helps illuminate Christ as The Good Shepherd and our being his sheep.
It’s a deep dive into John chapter 10, which I read a chapter a day of for 16 days. The only tiny issue is sometimes the chapters blended into each other…some days I struggled to remember what I’d read.
A good book, especially if you were doing sermon preparation or Bible study > possibly better as a reference/resource though.
It’s a deep dive into John chapter 10, which I read a chapter a day of for 16 days. The only tiny issue is sometimes the chapters blended into each other…some days I struggled to remember what I’d read.
A good book, especially if you were doing sermon preparation or Bible study > possibly better as a reference/resource though.
January 31, 2022
It is similar to a Shepherd looks at the Psalm 23.
Lots of good analogies, things that Pastors sometimes miss when talking abou the Good Shepherd. As a Shepherd he knows first hand and other know by things they read. Since some Pastors have no experience with farm animals, they sometimes miss the boat.
I only read a few chapters a week.
Lots of good analogies, things that Pastors sometimes miss when talking abou the Good Shepherd. As a Shepherd he knows first hand and other know by things they read. Since some Pastors have no experience with farm animals, they sometimes miss the boat.
I only read a few chapters a week.
Read
March 9, 2021I loved this 2nd book in the trilogy as much as the first. Learning about shepherding and likening it to the Good Shepherd was truly amazing to see the parallels in a shepherd and Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Brought the verses of Scripture so alive! Looking forward to the third in the trilogy.
April 11, 2020
Such a great book! A great continuation from A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23! But looking at how the Shepherd cares for his sheep and relating that to how God cares for us!
May 8, 2023
Great reading- highly recommend!
May 14, 2024
This has to be one of my all time favorite books and gives a new perspective on Psalm 23. Would highly recommend
December 22, 2015
"The Lord is my Shepherd." --- This is the phrase that I feel more confident than ever to proclaim. After reading Phillip Keller's "A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd", I understand now, more than ever, exactly what it takes to be a shepherd of sheep. And, in turn, exactly what our Shepherd does for His sheep, and how much He loves us.
"....God's life, poured out in rich measure on my behalf, enables me to enjoy abundant living in every area: physical, mental, moral, emotional, and spiritual." (Chapter 10)
To know that he desires to be a part of our entire lives... not just prayer time, or whenever you decide to make Him a part of your life. But he desires to be in everything you do. Once a Christian can grasp this fact, and live it out, then you will be much more of a follower of Christ than ever before.
"The ultimate measure of a good shepherd is how well he knows his sheep." (Chapter 11)
He knows my downfalls, my sins, my habits, and the little things that make myself "me". Yet nothing deters Him away from my life. He is always there, ready to find me again and set me aright. Just as a shepherd might do when he finds that one of his sheep has strayed from the flock.
"It is the strong touch of his mighty hand upon my life that changes my character, alters my conduct, and conforms my life style to His." (Chapter 16)
Being a part of God's flock is so enjoyable, for life is enriched when He is allowed in your heart. And I must remember that the joy of His presence is not meant for us to use for our own quiet moments of prayer, but to share His glory with others around us.
....These are the ponderings I have learned and stored in my heart, by reading this book.
"....God's life, poured out in rich measure on my behalf, enables me to enjoy abundant living in every area: physical, mental, moral, emotional, and spiritual." (Chapter 10)
To know that he desires to be a part of our entire lives... not just prayer time, or whenever you decide to make Him a part of your life. But he desires to be in everything you do. Once a Christian can grasp this fact, and live it out, then you will be much more of a follower of Christ than ever before.
"The ultimate measure of a good shepherd is how well he knows his sheep." (Chapter 11)
He knows my downfalls, my sins, my habits, and the little things that make myself "me". Yet nothing deters Him away from my life. He is always there, ready to find me again and set me aright. Just as a shepherd might do when he finds that one of his sheep has strayed from the flock.
"It is the strong touch of his mighty hand upon my life that changes my character, alters my conduct, and conforms my life style to His." (Chapter 16)
Being a part of God's flock is so enjoyable, for life is enriched when He is allowed in your heart. And I must remember that the joy of His presence is not meant for us to use for our own quiet moments of prayer, but to share His glory with others around us.
....These are the ponderings I have learned and stored in my heart, by reading this book.
February 20, 2017
I like his Psalm 23 book better, but this one was okay.
May 28, 2015
A shepherd looks at the Good Shepherd and His sheep by Phillip Keller.
Really enjoyed the book by this author on the 23rd Psalm and this one was very good also. We used it as a devotional read in our Sunday School and he holds his own with other authors like John Bunyan and Charles Spurgeon.
Really enjoyed the book by this author on the 23rd Psalm and this one was very good also. We used it as a devotional read in our Sunday School and he holds his own with other authors like John Bunyan and Charles Spurgeon.
January 16, 2016
An excellent discussion of the Good Shepherd and John 10. Keller brings many helpful illustrations from his past as a shepherd to bear on the passage. He truly encourages us to rest in the Good Shepherd.
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July 31, 2009I have had 3 Shelties in my life, losing my last one this past April, 09. I can tell you, this is a heart-rendering read about a sheepdog. I love this book.
January 9, 2013
"I shall not want"
July 1, 2016
A book that quiets the soul.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews