David tells how he killed a lion and a bear while defending his father’s flock as a shepherd boy (1 Samuel 17:36). Rushing walls of water down the valleys from sudden, heavy rainfalls may sweep them away, robbers may steal them, and wolves may attack the flock. Sheep are always subject to danger and must always be under the watchful eye of the shepherd as they graze. ![]() As a result, when a wolf appeared-the most common threat to sheep in that day-the hireling abandoned the flock and fled, leaving the sheep to be scattered or killed (John 10:12–13).įirst, to better understand the purpose of a shepherd during the times of Jesus, it is helpful to realize that sheep are utterly defenseless and totally dependent upon the shepherd. However, some of the hirelings thought only of themselves. This was characteristic of a true shepherd. Nevertheless, they were expected to exercise the same care and concern the owners would. Interestingly enough, the shepherds of ancient times were not usually the owners of the flock. His concern is not for the sheep but for himself. He who is a “hireling” works for wages, which are his main consideration. Here, in John 10:12, the hireling is contrasted with the true or faithful shepherd who willingly gives up his life for the sheep. In that passage the Jewish leaders (Pharisees) are contrasted with Christ, who is the Door. In John 10:9, Jesus speaks of thieves and robbers who sought to enter the sheepfold stealthily. He compares them to a “hireling” or “hired hand” who doesn’t really care about the sheep. As shepherd of the sheep, He is the one who protects, guides, and nurtures His flock.Īs He did in declaring that He is “the door of the sheep” in John 10:7, Jesus is making a contrast between Himself and the religious leaders, the Pharisees (John 10:12–13). Therefore, in using the phrase “the good shepherd,” Jesus is referencing His inherent goodness, His righteousness, and His beauty. It signifies not only that which is good inwardly-character-but also that which is attractive outwardly. The Greek word kalos, translated “good,” describes that which is noble, wholesome, good, and beautiful, in contrast to that which is wicked, mean, foul, and unlovely. ![]() It should be understood that Jesus is “the” good shepherd, not simply “a” good shepherd, as others may be, but He is unique in character (Psalm 23 Zechariah 13:7 Hebrews 13:20 1 Peter 2:25 1 Peter 5:4). Immediately after declaring that He is “the door” in John 10:7, Jesus declares “I am the good shepherd.” He describes Himself as not only “the shepherd” but the “good shepherd.” What does this mean? These “I am” proclamations point to His unique, divine identity and purpose. “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11) is the fourth of seven “I am” declarations of Jesus recorded only in John’s Gospel.
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