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Bible Reading

John Chapter 10 - Sheep, Good Shepherd, or Hireling?

All of us have a role to play in caring for God's flock.

Written by

Raising my Ebenezer

13 Dec 2024

2 min read

Contents

A sheep of the fold
A shepherd of the fold

What is our role in the fold of God?

A sheep of the fold

The earlier portion of John Chapter 10 largely illustrates a scene in the pastures. Sheep are known only to follow the voice of their shepherd. They are also highly social animals who will run from what frightens them and band together in large groups for protection.

We know the church of the last days will face many trials and persecutions (cf. John 15:18-21, 2 Timothy 4:3, 1 Timothy 4:1-3, Revelation 16:13-16).

Being a part of the church, the flock of God, do we show care and concern for the body of Christ? When members face dangers or trials, what is our reaction?

When the fold is in danger, like the sheep of the field, we ought to band together in the unity of faith to face the trial together, for if one part suffers, every part suffers with it (1 Corinthians 12:26). When we have schisms within the fold, let us esteem others better than ourselves, having the same love and being of one accord (Philippians 2:1-4).

A shepherd of the fold

Jesus talks about Him being the door of the sheep and the good shepherd in verses 9 and 11 respectively. Verses 11 and 13 contrast between a good shepherd and a hireling; the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep, but the hireling flees because he does not care about the sheep (v13).

Being the older ones of the flock, do we manifest the love of Christ through our actions to tend to the younger sheep as shepherds? Our Lord Himself has commanded us to look after His fold, just as He had commanded Peter to feed His lambs, tend His sheep and feed His sheep (cf. John 21:15-17).

Whether we are serving as sheep or shepherds, every one of us has a role to play in the unity of the flock. In all things, we need to put on the love of Christ and patiently oversee the growth of the lambs, the sheep and the fold. Let us heed the commands of God so that we will be given our due rewards when we return to our heavenly home.

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." (1 Peter 5:2-4)

Zechariah Chapter 11 - The Shepherd, Priced at 30 Pieces of Silver

In Zechariah 11, God asks Zechariah to act as a shepherd. Zechariah 11:13 is particularly striking: he is valued at 30 silver pieces, thrown to the potter. This clearly points to Judas betraying Jesus for the same amount, which was later used to buy a potter's field. While earlier chapters point to Jesus as the coming Good Shepherd who visits His flock (Zech 9:9, Zech 10:2-3), the tone shifts here. Chapter 11 depicts Jesus’ betrayal and rejection by the Jews. This rejection has consequences, symbolized by Zechariah breaking two staffs: "Beauty," representing God's covenant with the peoples, and "Bonds," representing the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. This can be seen in the Jews - they themselves rejected the New Covenant Jesus made, and in 70 AD, they were scattered throughout the world as Jerusalem was destroyed. This makes me reflect on the cost of rejecting the Lord. Jesus being sold for 30 pieces of silver was not only the work of Judas, but also of the priests, the scribes, and all the Jews who rejected Him. The consequences of rejecting their Shepherd were severe. And it has been clearly shown in the Bible to us today as an example. We may think that we will never do something as heinous as the Jews who crucified Jesus. But when we reject Him in our hearts, the consequences are equally severe. Just like the breaking of the 2 staffs, when we reject Christ, we break our relationship with God and His people. God next tells Zechariah to play as a foolish shepherd in place of the previous shepherd, who will not care for the sheep, and even eat the flesh of the fat and tear their hooves in pieces (Zech 11:16). Rejecting Christ the Good Shepherd, Israel has become blinded (Romans 11:7-8) and follows foolish shepherds who do not care for the flock like Jesus does. When we reject Christ, we may seek after other shepherds as our guide and reliance in our lives. These may be actual people we put our trust in, or the false idols that we replace God with, such as money. But these shepherds do not truly have our interest at heart, just like the worthless shepherd in this chapter. Let us reflect today. Are there any areas where we reject Jesus and His words - perhaps for some temporary gain, like Judas? Or because of pride, like the scribes and Pharisees? Let us take heed from what Jesus tells us in John 3:16-18.

Zechariah Chapter 1 - Return, See God's Zeal And Power For His People

Throughout history, God's call to repentance echoes still. How will you respond?

Your Good Shepherd, Jesus, Takes Care of You

Whenever you are afraid, remember that your Shepherd is with you.

Is Footwashing necessary for salvation?

Although Footwashing isn't commonly practised for salvation in many Christian churches, we believe that the Bible points us to its necessity.

Ezekiel Chapter 34 - Reflections On Our Shepherding Ministry

In Ezekiel 34, God brings a prophecy against the shepherds of Israel, whom God had instituted as spiritual leaders over the flock—His people. Not only had these leaders failed to nourish God’s sheep, they had also abused their power, reaping personal benefits at the sheep’s expense. “The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them.” (Eze 34:4) You and I may not so be so bold to abuse God’s flock as these failed leaders had. It would, however, be foolish of us to disregard these rebukes completely. You likely have others you can look out for in this journey of faith – your sheep. Let us consider: Whatever kind of a shepherd we now are, however our sheep may respond to us, Jesus wants us to always pray and not lose heart (Lk 18:1). The perfect Shepherd is ready to grant us an upright heart and a skilful hand to shepherd His people as David did (Psa 78:72). More importantly, God is the perfect Shepherd. Where we may fail in our ministry, God can do infinitely more. Despite those shepherds’ failings, God says, “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick” (Ezekiel 34:16). Moreover, when you and I are in our darkest days, we have a perfect shepherd who restores our soul (Psa 23:3). Our Shepherd declares, “You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God” (Eze 34:31). As you embrace your ministry of shepherding God’s sheep, never stop allowing God to shepherd you. All the sheep of His pasture fare so wondrously fine His sheep am I.

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