As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep (John 10:15).
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:14-16).
In the Old Testament, God the Father is called a shepherd, as David says in Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Lord is Yhovah, the self-Existent or Eternal One. He is called Jehovah, the Lord. Jesus is a shepherd just as His Father. He says, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” In this scripture, Christ tells us who He is, and by this definition we have assurance forever! Jesus tells us that we, His sheep, have the same relationship with Him as He has with His Shepherd Father. He says, “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father.” In this subtle statement is a stark assurance that anchors every believer! Jesus knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. He lays down His Life for His sheep and they hear (recognize) His voice!
He says to His Jewish audience that He has other sheep that are not of this fold which He will bring, and there will be one fold and one Shepherd! All His sheep will enjoy His protection and provision eternally. Laying down His Life will produce the results He desires (and laying down your life will do the same). Therefore, each believer can safely say with all believing Jews, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me […] surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:1-6).