The answer is: Shepherd

John 10:11

In the Gospel of John, when Jesus refers to himself as the "Good Shepherd," he isn't just offering a catchy title; he's tapping into rich backstory and symbolism deeply along the tradition of Israel. Everyone listening would have immediately conjured the image of true connection and care that comes with the role of a shepherd, a figure who guides, nurtures, and protects their flock. This powerful metaphor also echoes contemporary shepherding roles that stress the importance of sacrifice and devotion—the kind of love that lays down one’s life for the wellbeing of others.

Interestingly, shepherding is a longstanding biblical theme; throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, great leaders often get compared to shepherds. Think back to figures like Moses and David, both of whom were literal shepherds before they became influential leaders. When David penned Psalm 23, famously declaring, "The Lord is my shepherd," it’s a beautiful declaration of divine care mirroring the very qualities Jesus embodies.

Moreover, in those times, maintaining a flock was hard work. Sheep can be notoriously skittish and obstinate! This alludes to humanity's tendency toward waywardness—a humble acknowledgment that even in our wandering, there's a protector guiding us home. So, by placing himself in this role, Jesus invites us to ponder the nature of relationship: one of guidance rife with love, understanding, and patience, challenging us to extend that same care to one another. Wouldn’t the world be better if we all took a page from that shepherd’s playbook?