What the text of John 10:11-18 will say:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
In this text, which is described by John, the beloved apostle, we see that Jesus classifies each character according to their characteristics.
All the content written here is based on biblical thoughts and studies. A Christian cannot be held hostage only by what theologians and people say, but rather start asking questions in their prayers in secret, and your Father who sees you in secret will give you the answer you seek so much.
Have you ever heard the expression that God loves those who seek Him early? Many Christians pray in the wrong way, seeking something that Christ has already given them — which in turn, is salvation. However, the word translated in some Bibles as “they seek Me early” is “those who seek Me early.”
Anyway, this is just an introductory part of our sermon in John 10:11-18.
John 10:11-18
The good shepherd will always be Christ seeking His Father’s sheep, because it reflects the word “good shepherd.” This classification is given to Christ, not just because it was said by him — but because it was proven through his sacrifice on the cross.
There are three scenarios in this text: the shepherd, the mercenary and the wolf.
1. Good Shepherd
In principle, the true shepherd is the one who gives his life for the sheep, remember that the sheep do not belong to the shepherd but to someone else.
Moses was a shepherd and took care of the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law. A shepherd does not need to give his life for the sheep, the Bible classifies him as “Good Shepherd” and this phrase is interpreted only as Christ being this shepherd. God’s word to other shepherds is to care for and teach God’s flock. It is rarely described in the Bible for a shepherd to give his life literally, but rather to simply follow his calling to care for God’s flock. Follow the principles established by God, remember that the apostles died for preaching the gospel and it is not based on having died for the sheep but having died for the love of Christ.
Because if the apostles and prophets stood firm in dying for the sheep – few would have the courage to die for the sheep.
The priests of the temple (shepherds) have the sole intention of taking the sheep to the place of sacrifice. In other words – never expect an earthly shepherd to give his life for you. The intention of the pastorate is to take you to Golgotha and bring you closer to God. This is the pastor’s function, to free you from the wolves and connect you with the heavenly kingdom. This is called spiritual maturity.
2. The hireling
The hireling here is interpreted only by the “Devil”, he is the one who puts thoughts and describes sinful canaries. The Bible refers to him as being “a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). It is not about killing but rather “devouring.” Devouring is swallowing up all your vitality before God and putting you at odds with God’s laws. Remember that the only one who can give and take life is God. The devil is always looking to set traps for God’s people (Ephesians 6:11). The hireling is not the owner or shepherd of the sheep – he only guides the sheep to the places where they will fall. The lost sheep described by Christ did not get lost alone; it was certainly guided by this hireling.
3. The wolf
The wolf is described by false workers; a worker is the function of all ministries in the church. In other words, a pastor is a worker, a teacher, an apostle, a prophet, etc.
A worker is anyone who cooperates with the gospel of Christ. It is considered a category, where it is sub-classified to describe pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelists, and prophets.
Giving one’s life is a criterion that God demands of every shepherd – look at what is described “The reason my Father loves me is that I give my life” is not giving one’s life for the sheep but rather giving one’s life to fulfill God’s will. Remember that a shepherd is a priest who prepares the sheep and pelts it for sacrifice. The goal is not to have it but to deliver it.
A wolf is anyone who scatters the sheep. In other words, who brings division among the flock and also sees the flock as a source of personal pleasure. For example, obtaining a life of luxury, this is called taking away their wool – taking away all their possessions.
Conclusion
Therefore, in this sermon on John 10:11-18, three characters are described: Christ as the “good shepherd”, the devil as “the hireling” and the wolf as “false workers”. Here we can learn that it is not necessary to place a heavy yoke on today’s pastors, but rather to understand that their role is only to grave and lead them to the place of sacrifice so that the sheep may mature. No pastor will bleed for you, and that is not wrong. The only one who bled for you was “Jesus Christ”, keep this firmly in mind.
Note: The purpose of this article is not to discredit the office of pastor, but rather to open your mind so that you may have spiritual growth. Respect and honor the pastor who cares for you, he is giving up his pleasures for the love of Christ.
