In the tenth chapter of John’s gospel, Jesus refers to Himself as “the good shepherd” (v. 14). This figure of speech (v. 6) illustrates His care for those who believe in Him for eternal life (v. 28). He said. “I came that they may have life” (v. 10) and “the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (v. 11).

As shepherd of the sheep, Jesus entered the fold of Israel and called His sheep by name and led them out (vv. 2-3). Then He said, “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” (v. 16). Today, He is calling His sheep out of all the nations to be part of His flock, the church.

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus entrusted His sheep to the care of undershepherds. He commissioned Peter to shepherd His sheep and feed His lambs and His sheep (John 21:15-17). Later, Peter instructed his fellow elders how to and how not to shepherd the flock of God allotted to their charge so that, when the Chief Shepherd appears, they would receive the unfading crown of glory (1 Peter 5:2-4). The Great Shepherd wants His sheep to follow the godly example of His undershepherds (Hebrews 13:7). He wants us to be persuaded by our spiritual leaders and yield to them because “they keep watch over our souls as those who will give an account” (Hebrews 13:17).