John 10: 11-13.

For Jesus to say “I am the Good Shepherd” He was taking direct responsibility for the sheep as their owner – they belong to Him. He sets that alongside the example of the shepherd who was just hired to do a job – they may be known by the sheep who are following him, but when difficulties arise, the hired-hand reaches his limitations very quickly. They run away declaring “I’m not paid enough to handle this”. The “good shepherd” declares, “I will pay the full price for you with My own life”.