“Christ has purchased holiness for all whom he has laid down his life for.”
Jeremiah Burroughs
The primary reason that the hired hand does not sacrifice for the sheep is that they are not his sheep. (see John 10:22-31) He has and feels no ownership. The hired hand in Jesus’ teaching represents the religious leaders of his day who are more concerned with preserving their own position than surrendering to the Messiah who stands before them. We are inclined to think that this issue was more commonplace in Jesus’ own day. But no, this is a common sin that plagues the human heart. The preference for our own idols over the surrender of them to the living God. Fortunately, we have a shepherd who is stronger than our hearts.
Jesus describes the calling that exists between himself and his sheep. “14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (10:14-16) Jesus calls both Jews and Gentiles to be part of his one flock. There is both an urgency and moral imperative to his work. [compare: “I must bring them also” with John 4, where he “must needs pass through Samaria”]. There is also an operational certainty, “and they will listen to my voice.” The calling of Jesus to his sheep is effective. It is effectual. It guarantees the response of the sheep without obliterating their responsibility nor their choice to follow him. These are not shallow waters.
Believer, you can rest in the Lord today because he has ownership over his sheep. He is not the hired hand that scatters when the wolf appears. He stays and proves the trustworthiness of his shepherding by laying down his life for the sheep. Do you fear a season of suffering or affliction? Your shepherd has already walked on that path. You can trust his leadership. Do you fear death? The good shepherd has already wrestled with that wolf and now holds that creature’s pelt in his hands. Trust him today.
Unto Him be glory and honor,
Pastor Dale
