In this passage Jesus reiterates the positive side of the equation not mentioned in the previous text. The picture in the previous text is that of the hired worker that sees himself more as mercenary than a true care-provider for the sheep. In this passage Jesus focuses on the concept of the relationship that exists between the Good Shepherd and his sheep.
The Good Shepherd has a special connection with his sheep. It is a relationship forged during treks over the highlands and through the valleys. It is deepened in the moments of danger and rescue. It is strengthened during the cold nights of winter and the hot and pesky days of the Palestinian summers. The Good Shepherd’s voice has brought the wayward sheep back from the precipice; it has called the dim-witted ball of wool into the safety of his arms when he loses his way. It is definitely a very slanted relationship in favor of the sheep, since the Good Shepherd does pretty much everything but follow himself.
That is what I do as a member of the flock of the Good Shepherd. I follow. I do so because life has taught me that it is better to follow the One who loves me most than to set my own course without His guidance and care. It’s pretty humiliating to see myself as a dumb sheep, but in comparison to the Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent Almighty God, it’s probably a stretch to rank me with a sheep. If I want to be saved, all I have to do is follow Him. He will take care of all the rest. That almost sounds like Matthew 6:33! Moreover, when I choose not to follow and wander away to my own demise, he never ceases to seek after me to save me from myself. Why do I wander? How do I rationalize my decision to exit the safety of his care for me?
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