Introduction: Jesus' teaching in John 10 makes use of many familiar aspects of first-century Palestine. Jesus talked about a shepherd, his sheep, the fold where they stayed at night, and a hireling, or hired hand. Because shepherds and their flocks were very common sights around Israel, the people listening to Jesus would have had no trouble picturing in their minds everything He mentioned.
Throughout the history of Israel, God's people were portrayed as sheep under the guidance of "shepherds," those who were the leaders of the nation.
It is not complimentary to us when the Scriptures refer to us as sheep, for sheep are quite unintelligent and are easily led astray. Sadly, those characteristics often fit us, because we can so easily forget the importance of living by God's Word and instead decide to live our lives the way we want. But it is good to have God as our Shepherd.
