Matthew Poole and continuators on John 10:11

11 I am the good Shepherd: The good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep .

That good Shepherd, Prophecied of, Isa. 40.11. I cannot agree with those who think, that Christ here speaketh not of himself as the good Shepherd, with reference to his Office, as he was the Messiah; but onely in opposition to the Hirelings after mentioned. I can allow, that he thus calleth himself, both in the one respect, and the other; but I cannot allow the latter sense exclusively to the former; for what followeth, is peculiar to the Messiah, of whom it was Prophecied, Dan. 9.26. That he should be cut off, but not for himself: and though it be true, That the true shepherd will hazard his Life for his Sheep, as David did, when he encountred the Lion, and the Bear, 1 Sam. 17, 34, 35. yet it cannot be said to be the duty of the best Shepherd, to lay down his Life for the Sheep; for the life of a Man is much more valuable than the Life of any Beast. Our Saviour therefore doubtless in this place sheweth wherein he was the most excellent Shepherd, far excelling the best Shepherds in the World, because he was come, not onely to expose, hazard, and adventure his Life; but actually, willingly, and freely to lay it down.

Marginal references: Ezek. 34.23▪ & 37.24. Heb. 13.[illegible: 2 letters]. 1 Pet. 5.[illegible: 1 letter].