John Calvin 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 giveth his life for the sheep. From the extraordinary affection which he has for the sheep, he shows how truly he acts towards them as a shepherd; for he is so anxious about their salvation that he does not even spare his own life. Therefore, it follows that those who reject the guardianship of so kind and amiable a shepherd are exceedingly ungrateful, deserve a hundred deaths, and are exposed to every kind of harm.

Augustine's remark is exceedingly just: this passage informs us what we ought to desire, what we ought to avoid, and what we ought to endure in the government of the Church. Nothing is more desirable than for the Church to be governed by good and diligent shepherds. Christ declares that he is the good shepherd, who keeps his Church safe and sound, first, by himself, and then, by his agents.

Whenever there is good order, and fit men hold the government, then Christ shows that he is actually the shepherd. But there are many wolves and thieves who, wearing the garb of shepherds, wickedly scatter the Church. Whatever name such persons may assume, Christ threatens that we must avoid them.