What does John 10:11 mean?

This is the fourth of seven instances where Jesus evokes the "I am" terminology which implies He is divine. This echoes the statement made by God to Moses through the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This claim is separate from the "I am" statement made earlier (John 10:7–9). It is also a separate analogy—related, but not identical, to the first two Jesus spoke in this chapter. Here Jesus claims to be "the good shepherd." The Greek phrase ho kalos is translated "the good." This suggests the ideal, the pinnacle, or the perfect example of something.

In the first analogy, Jesus pointed out that sheep only follow the voice of "their" shepherd, not the voice of a stranger (John 10:3–4). Those who reject Christ do so because they don't belong to Him. In the second metaphor, Jesus claimed to be "the door," referring to the narrow gap which was the only legitimate entrance or exit for the sheep pen (John 10:9). Jesus alone is the measure of man's salvation (Acts 4:12). He came to offer life, and there are only two possible responses: to be "in" or "out." Only those who are in Christ are saved (John 3:36).

David's experiences show that shepherding in the ancient world was hardly safe (1 Samuel 17:34–37). Jacob's struggles prove it was not easy (Genesis 31:38–40). Shepherds not only had to keep watch over the flock to prevent strays, but they also had to defend the sheep from animals like wolves and bears, as well as defend against thieves.

In this analogy, Jesus again contrasts Himself with the selfish, ungodly religious leaders who so often prey on other people. Like a thief, they use illicit means and wreak havoc on the flock for their own gain. Jesus offers life in abundance (John 10:10). Maintaining this contrast, Jesus frames Himself as "the good shepherd," who puts His life on the line for the flock. Jesus' religious critics, such as the scribes and Pharisees, were by extension "bad" shepherds, unwilling or unable to genuinely care for those they claimed to serve (Ezekiel 34).

At the same time, Jesus' words here foreshadow the idea that His earthly purpose is to die on behalf of His "sheep."