Good Shepherd vs. Hired Hand

By Ed Pilapil Jr.

John 10:11-15 • March 3, 2024 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

The Lord Jesus Christ revealed Himself as the good shepherd and the door, highlighting that His sheep will not follow strangers and thieves. The strangers and thieves are symbolic of the religious leaders’ false teachings. Their false teaching is reflected in the misunderstanding that Jesus’ act to heal is a violation of the Sabbath. Throughout history, well-intentioned but mistaken teachers have led many astray. Yet, those truly of Christ's fold will remain steadfast and not heed such deception.

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 
 

John 10:11-15

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own 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 cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Notes

The Lord Jesus Christ revealed Himself as the good shepherd and the door, highlighting that His sheep will not follow strangers and thieves. The strangers and thieves are symbolic of the religious leaders’ false teachings. Their false teaching is reflected in the misunderstanding that Jesus’ act to heal is a violation of the Sabbath. Throughout history, well-intentioned but mistaken teachers have led many astray. Yet, those truly of Christ's fold will remain steadfast and not heed such deception.

  1. Good Shepherd

    Jesus claimed that He was the good shepherd. He proved it by laying His life down for all who would believe in the gospel. Although He used an illustration about shepherding, Jesus was also prophesying about the day that He would lay down His life for the flock.


    11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11, ESV).

  2. Hired Hand

    There are false shepherds; these are the hired hands. Their main interest is to get paid, but not to protect the sheep. When the hired hand sees dangers, they flee because he does not care for the sheep. Conversely, the good shepherd will fight the wolf to keep the sheep.

    12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own 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 cares nothing for the sheep (John 10:12-13, ESV).

  3. Personal Relationship

    Jesus is the good shepherd because He knows His sheep, and they know Him. It is similar to His relationship with the Father. When His sheep hear His voice, they will follow Him. The Lord Jesus Christ would lay down His life for them.


    14     I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep (John 10:14-15, ESV).

Application

  1. The Lord Jesus Christ is our good shepherd; there is no one else. We follow His voice and His word above all else, including those closest to us. Moreover, we must trust that His voice through His word, which is our ultimate guide. We must set aside personal perspectives, emotions, and urges

  2. We must be aware that there are religious leaders who do not preach God’s word. They preach their own insights and opinions that are not aligned with God’s word. Their motives are to share personal opinions, which may come from impure motives. Therefore, we must be careful who we listen to, and we must warn people about false teachers and false shepherds.

  3. The good shepherd does all of the significant work to feed and protect the sheep. The sheep has one obligation. When the sheep hear the voice of the shepherd, the sheep should follow. If we consider ourselves to belong to the sheepfold of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, we must heed His voice through His word.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. What does the good shepherd do?

  2. Explain the difference between the good shepherd and the hired hand.

  3. Explain the relationship of sheep and shepherd according to Jesus.