{
  "id": "dict_002237",
  "term": "Good Shepherd",
  "slug": "good-shepherd",
  "letter": "G",
  "entry_type": "theological_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "“Good Shepherd” is a title Jesus uses for Himself in John 10, presenting Him as the true shepherd who knows, leads, protects, and lays down His life for His sheep.",
  "simple_one_line": "",
  "tooltip_text": "",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [],
  "see_also": [],
  "lede_intro": "",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [],
  "description_academic_short": "“Good Shepherd” is one of Jesus’ self-designations in John 10. It draws on the Bible’s shepherd imagery for God’s care over His people and highlights Christ’s personal care, sacrificial death, and faithful leadership of those who belong to Him. The title also contrasts Jesus with false or unfaithful shepherds.",
  "description_academic_full": "The title “Good Shepherd” comes especially from John 10:11, where Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.” In Scripture, shepherd imagery is often used for rulers, spiritual leaders, and especially for the Lord’s own care for His people. Against that background, Jesus presents Himself as the true and worthy shepherd who knows His sheep, calls them, leads them, protects them, and lays down His life for them. The title therefore points both to His loving relationship with His people and to His sacrificial death on their behalf. It also sets Him apart from false shepherds who exploit or abandon the flock. In conservative evangelical understanding, “Good Shepherd” is a rich Christological title that emphasizes Jesus’ faithful care, saving work, and divine pastoral authority without removing the need to read debated details in John 10 with care.",
  "background_biblical_context": "",
  "background_historical_context": "",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "",
  "key_texts_primary": [],
  "key_texts_secondary": [],
  "original_language_note": "",
  "theological_significance": "",
  "philosophical_explanation": "",
  "interpretive_cautions": "",
  "major_views_note": "",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "",
  "practical_significance": "",
  "meta_description": "“Good Shepherd” is a title Jesus uses for Himself in John 10, presenting Him as the true shepherd who knows, leads, protects, and lays down His life for His sheep.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/good-shepherd/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/good-shepherd.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}