All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly [fully]… I am the Good Shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me (John 10:8-10,14).
These bold words spoken by Jesus were like words found in Ezekiel (34:23; 37:24). Ezekiel had spoken during dark days of Jewish slavery in Babylon. Many leaders then (as now) thought only of their own gain. They used and hurt people under them. Through Ezekiel God promised to send His “one Shepherd” who would truly care for His people. 600 years later Jesus came as the one Shepherd. All others who claimed to be that one Shepherd were false and harmful. Jesus would gather together all God’s scattered people “So there will be one flock, one shepherd” (John 10:16 and 11:52).