All four of the canonical Gospels use the metaphor of Jesus as shepherd. Indeed, the image is deeply woven into the language of the Old Testament, where God is often described as a shepherd and Israel as his chosen flock. Originally, the people of Israel saw their kings as having been appointed by God to lead the people, as a shepherd would lead his flock. But some of the kings of Israel were so unfaithful to God that they were actually leading the people away from God by their bad example. By the time of the Babylonian Exile in 587 BC, the image of the shepherd was no longer applied to earthly kings, but to God himself. The language of the image continues to give us some of our most beloved spiritual images. We need only recall the opening words of Psalm 23 - “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.”
Given the familiarity of this image and its deep scriptural roots, it is no surprise that Jesus chose this metaphor when addressing the Pharisees about his mission to Israel. What is new, however, is how he uses it not just to speak of himself, but to contrast the Good Shepherd with the shepherd who is merely a hired hand. The difference is that the Pharisees and Scribes behave as though they are temporary shepherds, hired from an agency. Yes, they fulfill their basic duties to Israel, but they appear to have no lasting or loving commitment to the people entrusted to their care – God’s Chosen People.
In direct contrast, Jesus gives us a powerful insight into how he sees his mission to “the lost sheep of Israel,” and, by extension, to the whole world. As the Good Shepherd, he is faithful and will offer us his own life for the sake of those entrusted to his care. Those who hear his voice will know that he is trustworthy, and he will lead and guide them along the right path, that path that will lead to everlasting life.