One of the books that has given me insights into the character of Jesus is a book called "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller. The book is, what the title indicates. Being a shepherd himself, Keller gives unique insights into the Psalm, probably of David. The reader learns of the behavior of sheep including their fears and personality traits. "He leads me beside the STILL waters." Sheep would dry up, literally, if the were depending on moving water to drink. They're scared to death of it. The shepherd knows this and knows the needs of the sheep and provides them.
The most interesting thing, to me was the analogy of the sheepfold. Out in otherwise treacherous parts of the country are these sheep folds. Basically a stone enclosure with an opening. Outside, not only those who would steal the sheep, (thieves) but wolves who would devour them. The sheepfold is, in that sense, a refuge for the creatures. There is no door or gate. A tourist asked one shepherd, seeing this, what prevents a thief from plundering or a wolf from having a feast? The shepherd laughed and explained that he himself becomes the door, as across the threshold is where he sleeps. Any thief or wolf would have to get in "over the shepherd's dead body."
There are multiple other insights in this book that I highly recommend. I read this book in the seventies, loaned it to a brother back then and don't think I'll ever get it back, as he passed away about three years ago. The GOOD news is, it's how out on paperback.
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