Jesus describes Himself as “… the good shepherd” in contrast to the pious-sounding religious leaders of His day who He called “thieves and robbers” (John 10:1; John 10:8) who ravage God’s flock for their own gain, and the ‘contract farmhands’ who have no care for God’s people and abandon them at the first sign of difficulty or danger (John 10:12-13).  Although such attitudes came to a head in opposition to Jesus, they were not new (Matthew 21:33-39).  Such religious leaders were described in Ezekiel 34:1-10 as inwardly selfish and callous - exploiting God’s people.  But in Ezekiel 34:11-16, God explains how He will personally come to be the shepherd in tender love and sacrificial healing power.  That is why Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

In these two verses, John reports Jesus using the verb translated ‘know’ four times.  In English, 'know' has two meanings: to be aware of facts, or, to have an intimate experience of something or someone.  In Greek, there are seven different words; and the verb used here means 'a knowledge based on personal experience'.  Jesus said He has an intimate understanding of those who follow Him.  He also said that His 'sheep' interact with Him in a personal way.  That relationship mirrors the deep relationship between Father God and Jesus in a fully trusting understanding (John 14:20).
 
In any interactive relationship, we know as much of the other person as we can understand.  So, a mother will 'know' her child better than the child knows its mother.  In the same way, Jesus knows us through and through, because He understands everything.  The reason Christ died for us was because He knew all the worst about us, but loved us so much that He was willing to be punished for the wrong we do (1 John 4:10).  But perhaps it is surprising to know that Jesus knows us as well as God the Father knew Him.  And even more surprising still that one day we shall know God as He knows us (1 Corinthians 13:12).
 
Knowing Christ starts with a personal and intimate encounter when we repent of our sin (all of which He already knows) and receive Him as our Lord and Saviour.  After that, although He already knows us completely, we get to know Him better as we understand His Word with the help of the Holy Spirit - discovering His answers to our prayers, experiencing Him guiding us, and showing us what He is like, as we interact with Him.  It is a wonderful adventure to discover the character of God as we live with Him each day.  That adventure will keep on surprising us and is as real at work as at home or in church.  Getting to know God is the most wonderful experience ever!