May 7, 2025
The Good Shepherd - Part 3
John 10:12-13
05/07/2025
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. (ESV)
Jesus warned us about the hirelings, the false shepherds who
deceive the flock.
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. He flees because he is a hired hand and
cares nothing for the sheep.
How can we recognize a false shepherd? What do they teach?
If the shepherd claims the Bible is not completely the Word of
God, that it contains stories and myths which are simply object
lessons, such as the creation account, that is a false shepherd.
If the shepherd claims that all religions lead to God, so it does
not matter what you believe as long as you are sincere, that is a
false shepherd. If the shepherd claims that you must do
something to attract the attention of God, that is a false
shepherd. If the shepherd claims that you must earn your
salvation, even a little bit, that is a false shepherd.
You can also recognize a false shepherd if they demand some
sort of payment, or claim special knowledge known only to a few.
The false shepherd demands respect and titles and obedience. Yet
the false shepherd is not available when you need help, when you
are facing a crisis. False shepherds also make demands to
control the sheep, demands such as prohibiting certain foods or
demanding certain clothing.
The Good Shepherd is gracious and merciful, desiring to care
for all the sheep without the thought of reward. He gives His
life, not because the sheep are lovable, but because they are
not.
May our Lord give us wisdom to flee the false shepherds and
to return to the Good Shepherd. Amen.