Old Testament prophecies prepared people to envision the Messiah as a Shepherd, guiding and protecting His flock. Jesus Christ, in John 10:1, presents Himself as the true Shepherd who enters by the gate, the lawful way, distinguishing Himself from false messiahs who seek to deceive and control. As the legitimate Heir of the chosen seed, He fulfills these ancient promises. Jesus Christ embodies the Good Shepherd, as seen in John 10:10, 14-15, through His sacrifice for sinners who have strayed like sheep. His goodness is not merely physical but reflects a morally beautiful, noble, and true nature, perfecting godly attributes in others. He guides, supports, and sacrifices Himself for His sheep with unparalleled benevolence. As the Great Shepherd, highlighted in John 10:15, 17-18, Jesus Christ came in the flesh with authority and purpose from the Father, in complete agreement and zeal. He sacrificed Himself, rose from the grave, and ascended to heaven, where He now intercedes for His sheep, united with the Father in Their love for the flock. Jesus Christ is also the Ruling Shepherd, as noted in John 10:27-28, who will return to reward faithful under-shepherds caring for the flock. Combining the roles of shepherd, parent, and ruler, He declares with authority that He is the Good Shepherd, embodying the ideal kingship of ancient times. In John 10:4, 14, 16, Jesus Christ emphasizes His ownership of the sheep, leading them personally with a unique call, guiding them to beneficial pastures, and protecting them from danger. His sheep, marked by unconditional obedience and submission, are deeply familiar to Him, as they are owned by the Creator through whom all creation was brought into existence.

In the closing chapters of John's gospel, among the last sayings of Christ after His resurrection, we find the profound command, "Feed My sheep," repeated three times, emphasizing a great responsibility. These sheep are His, belonging to Him by creation and redemption, and as such, we must act according to His will, recognizing our duty to Him above all. As under-shepherds to the Chief Shepherd, our primary task is to feed His flock by teaching and communicating the Word of God, the sole sustenance for Christians. This responsibility, while encompassing many traits and areas of service, centers on providing spiritual nourishment through regular, orderly, comprehensive, prayerful, and obedient teaching of the Scriptures. We must approach this duty with the conviction that we are meeting with Him, sensitive to His guidance, and aware of the needs of others, ensuring that our lives and the lives of those entrusted to us are transformed by obedience to His Word. Thus, in fulfilling Christ's commission to feed His sheep, we experience the profound joy of knowing that He speaks through us to His people.

Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, embodies the sovereign role of benefactor and ruler over His sheep, maintaining a deeply personal and intimate relationship with them. He declares, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends," demonstrating His profound love through His life and death, and continuing to show it in His glorious leadership of His church with kindness and providence. The importance of the Good Shepherd knowing His sheep is evident as He states, "I know My sheep, and am known by My own." This mutual awareness allows Him to lead His flock effectively, guiding them to learn His teachings and obey His commands. The sheep, through this intimate bond, understand His thoughts, reflect His ways, and automatically imitate Him, anticipating His will and becoming one with Him, just as He is one with the Father. Leadership is essential for the Good Shepherd, as sheep rarely find their way safely on their own. His guidance ensures their safety, and through long familiarity, they discern His voice from that of a thief or stranger, turning away from misleading calls. His positive direction leads them in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. The necessity of the Good Shepherd's willingness to give His life for His sheep is profound, as He repeatedly affirms, "I lay down My life for the sheep." Of His own will, He offered Himself up, not taken by force, but given voluntarily as an act of obedience to His Father. His sacrifice highlights His special, intimate relationship with His followers, whom He calls "My sheep." In giving life to His sheep, the Good Shepherd ensures their security and abundance. He grants eternal life by removing the barrier of death through resurrection, a life shared through the same Spirit that dwells in Him, His Father, and His flock. No one can steal His sheep from Him, for they are securely held in His hand, and together with His Father, Their grip remains unyielding, protecting the church against all threats. His sheep recognize and obey His voice, following Him as He knows them intimately.