{And I know the Father} (kag(9320)gin(9373)k(9320)ton patera). Hence
he is qualified to reveal the Father ( 1:18 ). The comparison of
the mutually reciprocal knowledge between the Father and the Son
illustrates what he has just said, though it stands above all
else ( Mt 11:27  Lu 10:22  Joh 17:21-26 ). We cannot claim such
perfect knowledge of the Good Shepherd as exists between the
Father and the Son and yet the real sheep do know the Shepherd's
voice and do love to follow his leadership here and now in spite
of thieves, robbers, wolves, hirelings. {And I lay down my life
for the sheep} (kai t(886e) psuch(886e) mou tith(886d)i huper t(936e)
probat(936e)). This he had said in verse  11 , but he repeats it now
for clearness. This he does not just as an example for the sheep
and for under-shepherds, but primarily to save the sheep from the
wolves, the thieves and robbers.