The Good Shepherd is the only one who can claim that description.  As the Good Shepherd, He cares for His sheep. Not only does He care for us, but He protects, guides, and leads us. I have heard people say that they don’t want to be referred to as sheep, because sheep are animals that are not very smart. In reality, that is probably a good description for us; for there are times when we act as if we are not smart when we make decisions that are not right, or we do things that are detrimental to ourselves and/or others. We need a shepherd; without the shepherd we would be lost. In John 10:11, we find these words:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”  

The Lord is concerned about every sheep in the flock and will go after the one sheepthat is lost. There isone flock and one shepherd. It’s mind boggling that He loves all of us the same way.The Lord also loves the very ones we have given up on. I am so glad that His love for us is unconditional.  May we be strengthened with the knowledge that the Good Shepherd loves all of us.