John 10:11-21

 John 10:11-21

Jesus declares Himself to be the Good Shepherd. There is the kind of good that gets positive results. There is a higher form of good in addition to good results. This good also has beauty or winsomeness as a principal characteristic. The first never moves beyond function, the second adds to function that special something. That special something is not specifically named in the text but it is understood. That special something is selfless love. Why would the shepherd fight lions or wolves at the risk of his own life? Because he loves the Sheep. From childhood a shepherd would walk, live, eat and sleep in the company of his sheep. In the flock there would be sheep that he had watched be born and that he knew as lambs. Add to the skills of proficient shepherding great love and you have the concept of a good shepherd.

In contrast is the hireling. We should not think that the hireling is unskilled in the art and science of shepherding. He may, in fact, be technically excellent. There's only one flaw in the hireling: he doesn't care for the sheep. That is the mark of Jesus: great capacity paired with great love. There is no other who has the technical skill that Jesus has, primarily the power of salvation. But also there is no one who loves as Jesus loves.

This passage is not primarily about local ministers. However, the local Pastor, Elder or Bishop who fails to be a good both technically capable and a loving shepherd need not be kept as the leader or shepherd of the church.

We need to remember that if we fail to follow Jesus it is not because He is not the shepherd, it is because we are not His sheep.

“Lord, help me know and hear the voice of my Good Shepherd. AMEN”