Why did Jesus refer to humanity as His sheep?

I think it refers to everyone behaving alike with a lack of individuality - if asked whether I'm a goat or a sheep I try to argue for why I'm a penguin

It probably has to do with the main characteristics of sheep. "Without a shepherd, domestic sheep are helpless and fearful. They get lost and scattered and are at the complete mercy of their enemies. (Nu 27:16, 17; Jer 23:4; Eze 34:5, 6, 8; Mic 5:8) Sheep allow themselves to be led, and they faithfully follow their shepherd. They can learn to recognize his voice and to respond to him alone. (Joh 10:2-5) Illustrating this is a passage from Researches in Greece and the Levant, by J. Hartley (London, 1831, pp. 321, 322): “Having had my attention directed last night to the words [in] John x. 3 . . . I asked my man if it was usual in Greece to give names to the sheep. He informed me that it was, and that the sheep obeyed the shepherd when he called them by their names. This morning I had an opportunity of verifying the truth of this remark. Passing by a flock of sheep, I asked the shepherd the same question which I had put to my servant, and he gave me the same answer. I then bade him to call one of his sheep. He did so, and it instantly left its pasturage and its companions, and ran up to the hand of the shepherd, with signs of pleasure, and with a prompt obedience which I had never before observed in any other animal. It is also true of the sheep in this country, that a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him . . . The shepherd told me, that many of his sheep are still wild; that they had not yet learned their names; but that, by teaching, they would all learn them.”" (*** it-2 p. 915 Sheep ***)

never thought of it that way. i think he means being led like when they say sheep easily led. but then like sheep led to slaughter comes to mind also what about that?

I think God feels as us as sheep in a diferent way. Just remember the many years difference. Back then I am sure they were very clean and that is the way he looks upon us.

I think maybe it was because the people of Jesus' day were often shepherds, so they understood a lot of the comparisons to us as sheep. God knew we need a shepherd who will guide and protect us. Jesus was referred to as the Lamb of God because he became the ultimate sacrifice for his sheep (all of us). Jewish people were required to make animal sacrifices to God, so they understood what a sacrificial lamb was.

No I am not offended, back them people talked completely different than we do today. I think a piglet is adorable but they stink and are dirty. I think my Harley is a wonderful loving dog but he stinks worst than any dog I ever had.

I certainly don't think it is in a bad way. However I cannot really explain it so take a look at this link