When we think about God being our Shepherd, our first thought is usually Psalm 23, where David describes the Father’s care for His sheep. In John 10, Jesus echoes Psalm 23, clearly and definitively stating that He is the Good Shepherd, the one and the same Lord that David praised. Here, then, is another link that shows us the God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament, revealed in the divine man, Jesus, Son of God.

What does Jesus do, in particular, for His sheep?

Jesus leads His sheep with a clear voice.

When he [the shepherd] puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. (10:4)

Jesus meets both the physical and spiritual needs of His sheep.

I am the door; if anyone comes through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. (10:9)

Jesus gives His sheep abundant life.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (10:10)

Jesus lays down His life for His sheep.

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. (10:11)

Jesus is concerned about all His sheep (Jew and Gentile).

I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.

Jesus protects and saves His sheep for eternity.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. (10:27-30)

Are you are following Jesus, or have you been deceived by one of the “thieves and robbers” who “climb up some other way” and come only to “steal, kill and destroy”? The imposters (false religions, false teachers) may look and sound like the authentic truth for a time, but when trouble comes, they will not be able to protect you. Like a hired hand, they will abandon you to the wolves.

Jesus never abandons His sheep; in fact, He willingly laid down His life for ours, and then took it up again, so that we can live abundantly in His care, from now to eternity.