In the Bible, any leader of God’s people might be referred to as a shepherd—whether it be a prince, prophet, or priest. In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees had taken the position of being spiritual shepherds in Israel. Jesus calls them, “hirelings,” or as the ESV renders it, “hired hands.” It was a labor to perform and not a love to pursue. They were about prestige, power, and possessions.
In contrast, we see Jesus as FAITHFUL RATHER THAN FAITHLESS. A good shepherd would be loyal to the flock when a predator attacked, but a hired hand would leave the flock to save their own skin. I think about so many so-called shepherds today who are fleecing the sheep for their own benefit rather than feeding the sheep for the flock’s blessing. They get on TV and tearfully plead with poor widows to help fund their ministry and feed the needy, while they live in luxury. What a contrast to Jesus, who was a giver and not a taker!
Another way to describe the contrast is SACRIFICIAL RATHER THAN SELFISH. Jesus would lay down His life for the sheep. The hired hands run for their lives. Jesus described His mission in Mark 10:45, “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Here is a strategic difference: the Good Shepherd loves the sheep for He has paid a price—a ransom for them—His own life.
Look at what Jesus says about these hired hands: “But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.” (John 10:12). Every one of His sheep are precious to Jesus.
Do you love the church? That is His flock. How do you respond when called to serve the sheep? If you are a leader, do you do it in love? Be careful how you criticize one of Christ’s sheep and how you treat them. The Good Shepherd is watching!
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