Jesus’ words about being the Shepherd of the sheep are found between two of the most powerful narratives in John’s gospel, the Healing of the Man Born Blind[1] and the Raising of Lazarus.[2] The man born blind asked nothing of Jesus; but Jesus healed him and sent him to wash. His healing will not be welcomed by his parents or his community. He doesn’t even know what Jesus looks like, but Jesus again seeks him out. Then Jesus explains to some Pharisees who are watching them that he is the Shepherd of the sheep. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”[3]
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