Good Shepherd

Jesus' self-description in John 10:11-18, building on the rich Old Testament image of God as shepherd (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34). 'I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.' Jesus contrasts himself with hired hands who flee when wolves attack. He knows his sheep by name (John 10:3), leads them out (10:4), protects them (10:28-29), and has 'other sheep that are not of this sheep pen' (10:16) — pointing to Gentile inclusion. The image combines tender care with courageous sacrifice, portraying Jesus as the one who both feeds and defends his flock at the cost of his own life.