text: what does the bible mean when it says that jesus is the good shepherd? metaphorically exactly what it says - a good shepherd looks after his/her sheep, finds them good pastures to eat, keeps them safe and fends off wolves and if we get lost - leaves the other sheep behind and goes off to find us.  we can trust jesus to look after us, want the best for us and keep us safe.  he's done a good job in my life - changing me from a self-centred twit who put his wife down - to a loving husband. he didn't give up on me when i;ve messed so many things up - but came and fouind me.  but don't take my word for it - ask my wife!!