“brought out” literally means to thrust out. If a sheep is reluctant to leave, the shepherd makes sure that they do so anyway.

“all his own” = This is inclusive; he overlooks none, all of his sheep are taken out of the fold. However, he only calls his own sheep; he does not call sheep in general. Only those who are his enjoy fellowship with the shepherd, and his protection and provision.

“he goes on ahead of them” = Unlike in Western lands and Australia, Eastern shepherds walk ahead of their sheep and the sheep follow. Robertson observes that this is “a lesson for pastors who seek to drive the church like cattle and fail. The true pastor leads in love, in words, in deeds.” (RWP) Indeed, this is the very manner in which Jesus led His disciples and that He leads us today!

“they know his voice” = Why do the sheep know the voice of their shepherd? Because they have followed him and spent time with him and his voice has become familiar to them due to their hearing it often. Do you know the voice of your Shepherd?