6:34 he had compassion. Jesus does what God promised to do in Ezek. 34:11, 14: “I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. . . . I will feed them with good pasture.” Jesus acts as the Shepherd of God’s people, like Moses (Num. 27:15–17; Ps. 77:20), David (Ps. 78:70–72), and God Himself (Ps. 23:1; 74:1; 78:52, 53; 80:1; Ezek. 34:15).

sheep without a shepherd. Ancient Israel, abandoned by unfaithful leaders, was also described in this way (Jer. 50:6; Ezek. 34:1–10).