John 10:14–15

Christ proceedeth yet to clear that he is the good Shepherd, by other properties of a good shepherd, which also (with the former) do point out the differences betwixt him and false teachers and hirelings. In these verses, He declareth himselfe to be the good Shepherd, and proves it from that familiarity which is betwixt him and his people; He knowing and taking special notice of them, and they knowing and acknowledging him, verse 14. This familiarity and relation is amplified, 1. From a similitude or comparison, that it resembles, in part, that mutual knowledge and familiarity that is betwixt the Father and him. 2. From an effect on his part, that his respect and affection is such to his sheep, that he will give his life for them, verse 15. Doctrine 1. The tender relations in Christ toward his people are worthy to be often studied and meditated upon; and how he makes good these relations: Therefore saith he over again, I am the shepherd, and, the good shepherd. 2. Christ hath particular and exact knowledge of all his elect, and who they are that shall be saved, wherein he will not be disappointed; for, I know my sheep, doth import, in the first place, that he hath a knowledge of the individual persons, as 2 Tim. 2.19. Joh. 13.18. 3. As Christ knoweth all his own, so he hath a special affection to them, and taketh special notice and care of them; So that he will not only have them converted, but being converted, his knowledge and affection will supply the defect of their prayers, and doth prove that his cures to their particular conditions cannot be misapplied: So much also doth this import, I know my sheep, that is, I affect, and take special notice of them. 4. Whoever are beloved of Christ, as his sheep, he giveth unto them grace to know and acknowledge and love him; for, it must be mutual, though it begin at him, I know my sheep, and am known of mine. 5. There is a mutual knowledge, acquiescence, and affection, betwixt the Father and the Sonne Christ, which tends much to the comfort of beleevers in him; for, the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father. See Prov. 8.24,—30. 6. Albeit the acquiescence and affection betwixt the Father and the Sonne be matchlesse and incomprehensible; Yet the relation and affection betwixt Christ and his sheep cometh nearest to resemble it, of any other thing: for, to this purpose is this brought in here, that, As the Father knoweth me, and I (as the words in the Original will read) know the Father; So, I know my sheep, and am known of mine. And albeit it hold good chiefly on Christs part, yet their part is not to be wholly secluded; who though they come far short to make up the comparison, yet this is the pattern according to which he will carry them on, so far as they are capable, See Joh. 17.21. 7. Christs affection is so reall and great, that he will give proofe of it by the greatest effects his people can need, if it were to die, that they may live; Therefore doth he subjoyne, I know my sheep, as the Father knoweth me, &c. and I lay down my life. 8. Christ came into the world, and laid down his life, only for his own elect, whom he knew, and whom he brings in to himselfe by actual conversion; for, I lay down my life for the sheep, and not the goats.