In John’s Gospel, the image of the sheep that belongs to the Good Shepherd describes the authentic believer; he hears the Word of God, follows Jesus and has eternal life through Christ. The authentic believer is one who is humble of heart, one who recognizes the need for forgiveness, and one who seeks the guidance and protection of a Good Shepherd.
Some people have chosen not to follow Christ. Some have rejected Him; some have ignored His teachings, while others have modified His teachings to conform to their personal convictions. They have not truly repented of their sin; as a result, they have become lost in a world of their own making, and they live in a world of never-ending unhappiness. They have become the lost sheep.
On the other hand, many have chosen to follow Christ. They submit themselves to God in faith and obedience, developing a relationship of loving dependence on Christ, the Good Shepherd. Even as they admit to their personal limitations and weaknesses, they know that nothing in the world can prevent them from believing in God, from putting their trust in God, and from loving God with their whole heart. Jesus promised that those who hear His voice and follow Him can never be lost. Therefore, let us listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, and never stop following Him.
Let us say to the Lord: Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life! (John 6:68)