What does the Bible say about Jesus as our Shepherd?

Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11, where He states, 'I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.' This declaration emphasizes His role not merely as a leader but as one who cares for His flock with a profound commitment. David, as a shepherd, understood this care intimately and expressed it in Psalm 23, stating that 'The Lord is my Shepherd.' This sets the stage for understanding our relationship with Christ who, knowing us individually, takes personal responsibility for our welfare and spiritual guidance.

In this context, the shepherd-sheep metaphor is rich with theological implications. It reflects God's sovereignty and grace, illustrating how He actively seeks out His lost sheep, as depicted in Luke 15:4. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, ensures that those He has chosen—His sheep—are under His care and protection, which echoes the themes of ownership and redemption found throughout scripture, particularly in 1 Peter 1:18-19. The idea that we are known and tenderly cared for by the Creator brings comfort and assurance to believers, signifying not just a passive relationship but one of active involvement and intimate knowledge.