Jesus used the image of a shepherd speaking of his compassion for his disciples. A shepherd gets so close to his sheep that he knows their smells, sounds, and struggles. He protects them from impending doom when a wolf or another vicious animal approaches. He is fully aware of their shortcomings, as sheep have been known to literally walk off of a ledge to their own demise. Does that sound like you and I on the brink of making a poor decision that will alter our lives? It sure does.