1. The good shepherd and the hired hand (11-13)

Jesus said that he is the good shepherd. The difference between a good shepherd and a hired hand is commitment to the sheep. The good shepherd protects his sheep and will even lay down his life for them. The hired hand does not own the sheep and will abandon the sheep in the face of danger. Jesus is our good shepherd. He laid down his life for us to pay for our sins and to destroy the devil's work. Jesus will never forsake us.

2. Jesus knows the Father (14-21)

Twice more Jesus repeats that he lays down his life for the sheep (14, 18). As Jesus knows the Father and the Father knows him, so we can know Jesus just as we are known by him. Jesus' love relationship with his Father is revealed in his willing obedience to lay down his life by going to the cross. Jesus lays down his life of his own accord. Anyone who believes in Jesus, regardless of human background, receives forgiveness of sins and becomes Jesus' sheep.