Jesus said He was the REAL shepherd. He pointed out that some appear to be genuine shepherds, but are really just hirelings. When the wolf comes, they run!
In the days of Jesus they often had communal sheep folds. Several shepherds would bring their flocks together at night for better protection. They would choose a place that was a good cover. At times a shepherd may have to lie down and serve as a door. That way he would know who went in and out. When the night was over, the shepherd called his sheep and they would come running. You see, they knew their shepherd’s voice. Some ancient shepherds named their sheep.
Can you picture this scene? The shepherd calls a particular name and that sheep knows his keeper’s voice. Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice and I know them and they follow Me. Are you one of His sheep?
Greely Kirkpatrick