In today's gospel Jesus describes his relationship with his followers as similar to the relationship between a good shepherd and his sheep. As a good shepherd will risk and lay down his life in order to protect his sheep, Jesus willingly sacrifices himself for the sake of his sheep. Jesus contrasts the actions of the good shepherd with the actions of the hired shepherd who abandons the sheep in the face of danger.  The good shepherd knows the sheep and therefore acts out of love. Jesus out of love always has an eye on his flock in order that they may not go astray. Remain in the Love of the Good Shepherd.