Cronos: I wouldn't put it quite that way
I wouldn't put it that way either, but Jesus did. We are left to ponder why; however the analogy of sheep needing a shepherd is very strong in the Gospel. It is not to be taken as insult, as Chrsit Himself is likened to a lamb, and we are called to imitate Him.
You go on to say that we are encouraged to ask questions. That is very true: Christ enjoyed the debate and took time to answer questions, even questions put to Him in order to trap Him. I try to answer every question put to me from the perspective of my shepherd; however, I am not blind to the fact that some questioners are not interested in hearing the answer.