Bible Reading

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

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

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Raising my Ebenezer

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Contents

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)

Related Topics

John

See Also

Ezekiel Chapter 34 - Reflections On Our Shepherding Ministry

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: How high does your shepherding ministry sit in your to-do list? When you think of “doing church work”, how have you defined “work” here? Does it extend to taking unscheduled initiative to connect with believers beyond church hours? How much time do you spend reaching out to believers struggling in their faith? When you interact with other believers, how often does the conversation move to strengthening one another with God’s word and/or prayer?  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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