John 10:1-21
Jesus revealed himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. In the Old Testament, David referred to God as “my Shepherd” in Psalm 23, and prophets referred to God as the Shepherd of his people (Is 40:11, Ez. 34:11-31). No doubt the religious leaders were familiar with these prophesies and references to God as Shepherd, so once again, Jesus is claiming to be God, and they get offended.
At the same time, he rebukes two categories of others: the thief and the hireling. The thief’s agenda is to steal, kill and destroy. The hireling is more concerned about self than the sheep and runs away when danger shows up. There is no doubt that Jesus thinks of the Jewish leaders in one of these categories!
Leading like Jesus: motives in shepherding will include putting the needs of others before our own and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of our “sheep.” Ultimately, we realize that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and we are his under-shepherds; not hirelings, but apprentice shepherds.
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