Jesus’ claim as the good shepherd conveys a special intimacy he has with us, his sheep, calling each one by name. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd and will not follow the voice of a stranger. Likewise, it's important for us to have the same intimacy with our shepherd. Jesus also warns of the thief, the idle shepherd, who leaves the flock when he sees a wolf coming. This message is full of instructive metaphors and applications taken from this familiar parable of the Good Shepherd, Jesus.