Both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon refer to the symbolic role of Jesus as the good shepherd. The shepherd knows his sheep by name, leads them to pasture, and protects them with his own life. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep…I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (John 10:11, 14)
When the resurrected Savior visited people in ancient America, he told them they were the “other sheep” of whom he had spoken. “Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”(3 Nephi 15:21, John 10:16)
This woodcut print by Brian Kershisnik depicts Christ gathering and caring for his sheep. The nail prints in his hands remind us that as our shepherd he did indeed lay down his own life to save us. He loves us and knows us each by name. Hallelujah!
-Jenny Champoux