Albert Barnes Commentary John 10:11

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep." — John 10:11 (ASV)

The good shepherd. The faithful and true shepherd, willing to do all that is necessary to defend and save the flock.

Giveth his life. A shepherd that regarded his flock would risk his own life to defend them. When the wolf comes, he would still remain to protect them. To give his life, here, means the same as not to flee, or to forsake his flock; to be willing to expose his life, if necessary, to defend them. Compare to Judges 12:3, I put my life in my hands and passed over, and so on; 1 Samuel 19:5; 1 Samuel 28:21. See John 10:15. The Messiah was often predicted under the character of a shepherd.