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In order to communicate who He was, Jesus used metaphors. John records seven of these “I am” statements of Jesus.
Sheep and shepherds were familiar to Jesus’ audience, and they were often used as an illustration of God and His people in Hebrew scripture (Jeremiah 23:1-6, Ezekiel 34, Isaiah 40:11, Psalm 23, Psalm 95:6-7). These scriptures speak of God’s care and guidance as well as His promise to send an offspring of David who would be the good shepherd that many of Israel’s leaders failed to be.
Jesus tells his audience in John 10 that the Good Shepherd owns the sheep, knows them by name, provides both protection and pasture, and cares for them to the extent that He lays down His life for them. The defining characteristics of His sheep are that they hear His voice and follow Him.
Like sheep are vulnerable to predators, we are no match for the devil who is working for our destruction (I Peter 5:8). However, we have a Good Shepherd, who is strong (I Corinthians 10:13) caring (Isaiah 43:1), and eternal (John 10:18).
Our Good Shepherd is calling us. Are we hearing His voice calling us to salvation (Isaiah 53:6)? Are we hearing His voice every day through our conscience, Christian friends, and scripture (Hebrews 3:12-15)?
Ignoring His voice makes it grow fainter and leaves us vulnerable to temptation. Listening to His voice leads us to a closer walk with Him and increasing maturity. Hebrews 13:20-21.