Scripture to Read: John 10:11–15
Jesus had already talked about those who were His under-shepherds (1 Peter 5:1–4), but now He reminds His followers that He is the Good Shepherd. Jesus said in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” Jesus is the Only One whose blood cleanses us from all our sins because He was and is our perfect sacrifice and offering before God the Father (Ephesians 5:2). Then, Jesus explains how self-serving the “hired hand” is in John 10:12–13, “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep.” The “hired hand” is someone who is not called by God but simply fills in for a job. It’s interesting to note here that the title “pastor” translates the same ancient Greek word used here for shepherd. It is a title given to those called by God and not something someone does on their own. A shepherd called by God cares for the sheep under his care, and they know he loves and cares for them. The under-shepherd follows the example of the Chief-Shepherd (Christ). Jesus repeats in John 10:14–15 that He alone is the Good Shepherd, that He knows His sheep and they know Him, and that He is the one Who will die for them. What an awesome Good Shepherd we have!
Challenge & Application
• Why is Jesus the Only One who could lay down His life for His sheep?
• What’s the difference between a hired hand and a man called by God to be a pastor and feed, guide, and take care of His sheep?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!