The Good Shepherd

The relationship between sheep and their shepherd is a beautiful thing. Sheep know their shepherd and will only follow his voice. The shepherd loves and leads the sheep to protect and provide for them. By declaring Himself to be the Good Shepherd, Jesus does several beautiful things. First, he connects Himself to God's relationship with Israel in the Old Testament, where God is pictured in multiple places as a shepherd to His people. Second, Jesus shows His heart for His sheep, as He loves, guides, and cares for them. It is also a claim to exclusivity, as only the True Shepherd enters by the door, and the only way into the fold is through the door. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.