BECAUSE Jesus is the good shepherd (John 10) he knows his sheep, and they know him. But this close friendship and trust is a reflection of a similar friendship that exists between himself and God. May we not carry on the figure to him? If he is “the lamb of God”, can we not add to the sacrificial aspect of that phrase this thought also, that God is his shepherd, and the twenty-third Psalm is the Lord’s expression as well as David’s? His trust in and obedience to God’s voice is the example for his sheep to trust and obey him. Springing from that knowledge of the Father is his readiness to lay down his life.

JOHN CARTER, The Gospel of John, page 121.

Psalms

23The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.