The job of the ancient shepherd in Palestine was to feed, lead, care for and protect the sheep. He fought off predators and spent all of his time with them. Jesus comes on the scene and encourages us that He is the Good Shepherd who does the same for us as the shepherd does for the sheep.
And Jesus went to the extent that He laid His life down for us sheep.
This is what gives us hope for the future because by laying His life down, He atoned for our sins and opened ujp a way to Heaven for those who believe.