“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. When the hired hand sees the wolf coming, he leaves the sheep and runs away. That’s because he isn’t the shepherd; the sheep aren’t really his. So the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. He’s only a hired hand and the sheep don’t matter to him. “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. I give up my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that don’t belong to this sheep pen. I must lead them too. They will listen to my voice and there will be one flock, with one shepherd. “This is why the Father loves me: I give up my life so that I can take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I give it up because I want to. I have the right to give it up, and I have the right to take it up again. I received this commandment from my Father.” (John 10:11-18, CEB)
I always wondered at this passage as a pastor. I feel like as a pastor I am the hired hand. One who is not the shepherd but is in place to care for the sheep while the shepherd is away.
I think we are all at times the hired hand.
What do we do to inflict harm on others?
How do we keep sheep from being a part of the fold?
How do we let the wolves have the sheep?
What can you do to be a better care giver to the sheep while the shepherd is away?
Love like Jesus.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 