Previously in John chapter 10, we saw Jesus talking about his relationship with all who are his followers, and he describes that relationship using the metaphor of himself as the Good Shepherd who watches over his sheep, protecting them to the point where he is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. He did lay down his life for us as we will see later in the Gospel of John when he went to the cross so people who believe in him and follow him like sheep follow their shepherd, would experience forgiveness of our sin that has broken our relationship with God.