I and the Father are one.”
Jesus is not asserting identity, but total unity. He and the Father are not one in person, but in essence and in nature. Jesus is claiming to be God, but not claiming to be the Father.
What a great reinforcement to the fact that God’s sheep are safe in His hold. Both the Shepherd and the Owner of the sheep are actively involved in keeping the sheep from harm. It is with full confidence that we can sing:
How Firm a Foundation
By John Keith
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.