Summary: Jesus proclaimed Himself as the good shepherd, willing to lay down His life for His sheep, unlike a hired hand who flees at danger. He emphasized His deep, reciprocal knowledge with His sheep, akin to His relationship with the Father. Jesus also mentioned other sheep outside the current fold, intending to unite them into one flock under His singular shepherding.
Jesus said:
"I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd."
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