The word shepherd is used often to describe Jesus. But if you didn’t grow up in a farming community, or you’ve never studied what a shepherd does, you might not understand the relevance of this analogy. So, let’s take a closer look at the life of a first century shepherd so that we can gain the full scope of what Jesus is trying to convey about himself in this passage. 

Shepherds spent their entire lives looking after sheep. Their entire existence revolved around caring for the sheep in their charge. They led their sheep and certainly would never have been considered less important than the sheep. But instead of leading in a domineering way, they were servant leaders.  

Shepherds also led the sheep to green pastures. It was the responsibility of the shepherd to move his flock from one place to another, making sure they had what they needed for survival. If he stayed in one place too long, the sheep would eat all the resources of that spot and die. So, it was his responsibility to monitor the land and to determine when it was time to leave and move on to greener pastures. He had to be resourceful and wise, always anticipating the needs of his flock. 

Shepherds were responsible for defending the sheep against threats, predators, or robbers.  Sheep are fairly incapable of defending themselves from any threat. Whether the threat came in the form of a dangerous storm, a wolf stalking the heard, or a robber looking to steal away a sheep or two, the shepherd was responsible for always being on the lookout. He trained his body and mind to notice and anticipate threats and to defend his sheep however was necessary.  

Shepherds were also responsible for disciplining the sheep. If a sheep continued to go astray or not heed the call of the shepherd, he would sometimes intentionally break one of the sheep’s legs. But then he would carry the sheep on his shoulders until it healed. This might sound cruel, but the pain had a purpose. See, through the pain, the sheep learned to rest in the shepherd, to tune to his voice, and to come when he was called. He learned to trust the shepherd and after he healed would become the most loyal sheep, obeying and staying close. The shepherd knew that a broken leg now was far better than his sheep falling into a ravine or getting eaten by a wolf. So, the pain was for the sheep’s own good.