When we read that Jesus gives his life for the sheep we usually think of the crucifixion. But if we look at what he says about the hireling we may get a broader and deeper understanding of what he means.
“The hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep” (John 10:11-13).
Wolves do attach the flock, but Jesus gives his sheep his life to his sheep.
When the wolf comes to temp you, to rip your assurance out of your heart and devour your faith, Jesus is there to fight off his ferocious attack. He will give you his life so that you are able to avoid spiritual eternal death. He gives you life the moment you need it.
