In John 10, Jesus declares, “I am the Good Shepherd.” This comes right after His confrontation with the religious leaders in John 9, who had cast out the man born blind. The Pharisees and Sadducees were supposed to shepherd God’s people, but like many of Israel’s kings before them, they had failed. Prophets like Ezekiel had warned of false shepherds who neglected the flock, and had also promised that one day God Himself would come to shepherd His people. In calling Himself the Good Shepherd, Jesus was fulfilling that promise and showing that He—not the religious leaders—was the true protector and guide of God’s flock.

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus shows His love in several ways. His sheep know His voice, and He calls them by name. He protects His flock, not like a hired hand who runs away, but by laying down His very life on the cross to save us from sin and death. He leads His people into safe pastures, inviting us to follow Him closely rather than wander off into danger. And because He loves us, He even corrects us when we stray, pulling us back from sin and guiding us toward life. Every act of His shepherding—His voice, His protection, His leadership, and His discipline—flows out of His love and is meant for our good.

This passage leaves us with some searching questions: Do we recognize the voice of our Shepherd above all the noise around us? Are we walking closely with Him, or running ahead with our own plans and desires? Will we trust Him when He corrects us, knowing it’s for our good? The safest and most joyful place to be is right next to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He knows you, loves you, and laid down His life for you. So listen for His voice, stay close to Him, and trust that everything He does is to give you abundant life.