Jesus describes the failure of the hireling or false shepherd as harmful to the sheep. John 10:12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. [1]
As you reflect on this verse, it becomes clear that the motives of the hierling are worldly, and when life gets tough, he quickly abandons the sheep. Unfortunately, we live in a sinful world, and satan is at work daily trying to destroy the church. Paul gives us wisdom for the spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[2]
In essence, a hireling or false shepherd is an attack on the church and is often very subtle. As believers, we need to spend time in God’s Word, so we know the truth, which Paul calls the sword of the Spirit. In many ways, the word is the foundation of our shield of faith against the fiery arrows of the enemy.
The Hireling Looks Out Only for Himself
Self-interest drives a hireling’s concern rather than genuine love for the sheep. They tend to abandon their duty when their own interests are at risk. In contrast, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, behaves out of sacrificial love and commitment. The hireling’s greatest mistake is abandoning the sheep when the “wolf” appears, leaving them exposed to scattering and harm.
In a spiritual sense, this “wolf” can symbolize false teachings, persecution, or other threats or temptations. Unlike the hireling, Jesus remains devoted to his followers, remaining with them through every trial. While the hireling cares only for his own life, Jesus sacrificed his life for his sheep. This act is the ultimate demonstration of love and forms the core of the Christian faith.
The hireling represents inadequate or morally corrupt leaders in the church who prioritize their own comfort, reputation, or profit over the care of the flock. Ezekiel 34, which condemns Israel’s greedy shepherds, serves as a significant Old Testament parallel and warning to false shepherds today.
Our Need for Jesus
Amidst the work of false shepherds, the true Shepherd is working in the hearts of God’s people to provide guidance and direction, leading us to repentance. The Apostle Paul was a persecutor of those in the early church until Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. Paul gives us insight into his heart. 1Corinthians 15:9For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church. [3]
The life of Paul clearly shows how much God cares for believers and seeks to change the hearts of those who hurt His sheep. Do you feel God working in your heart today, giving you a thirst for His word? If so, the Holy Spirit is awakening you to bring revival to your life so you know the truth and are not led astray.
To learn more about the failure of the hireling, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-good-shepherd
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.