I am the good shepherd. John 10:11
Jesus refers to Himself not only as a shepherd but as the good Shepherd. What does a shepherd do? He protects, he provides, he guides. Psalm 23 tells us that he restores, refreshes, stays near and comforts.
A good shepherd would accomplish all this. Jesus also includes that a good shepherd would lay down his very life for the sheep in his care.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11
The good shepherd protects and provides for the sheep at the cost of his own life. He spends his days and nights with the sheep and they know him, they recognize his voice. Likewise, he knows each of them. Jesus draws on this as well.
I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me. John 10:14
Our Good Shepherd knows each of us and we know Him too as we spend time with Him. We learn to recognize His voice.
Jesus was using this imagery to a people in a pastoral culture who understood sheep. But He was speaking specifically to the pharisees who knew the text. They would have thought of Psalm 23 – knowing what a good shepherd is. Or Ezekiel 34 which would have brought to mind His condemnation of them for not shepherding the people of God.
For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I Myself will search for My sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after My sheep. Ezekiel 34:11-12
By claiming to be the Good Shepherd, Jesus is also equating Himself to Sovereign God of Ezekiel who states He is the Shepherd who looks out for His flock.
I am a sheep that is prone to wandering off. Not usually out of rebellion, but just by taking my eyes off the Shepherd. I’m grateful for a Good Shepherd who seeks me out and guides me back to His loving Presence. And has given His precious life for me.
