In Jesus' time, shepherds cared for their sheep day and night. They led them to green grass and fresh water, protected them from wolves and knew every sheep by name.
Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Jesus told a parable about a shepherd with one hundred sheep. One sheep wandered off and got lost. The shepherd left the other ninety-nine and searched until he found it. Then he carried it home on his shoulders, full of joy!
Jesus is telling us about Himself. If we wander away from God by sinning, Jesus comes looking for us. He never gives up on us.
Jesus also said that His sheep know His voice. We learn to hear His voice when we pray, read the Bible and listen at Mass.