In the Beginning: The Book of John

(John 10:11-18[HCSB])

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. 13 This happens because he is a hired man and doesn’t care about the sheep.

14 “I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me, 15 as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 But I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 This is why the Father loves Me, because I am laying down My life so I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from My Father.”

Being sheep Pt.II (Gentiles)

The Good Shepherd not only takes care of His flock, He also is willing to lay down His life for them. He (Jesus) is also aware of other sheep (Gentiles) who do not have a shepherd that will protect them; so He is commanded by His Father (God) to bring them into a safe place (the Body of Christ/the Church), as well.

Jesus tells His followers that they need to beware of the hired man (a deceiver who is temporary and has no vested interest in the flock) because he will run away at the first sign of danger. In our hearts most of us know who Jesus is; we know that serving Him is a lighter yoke, and that He can be trusted.

That being said, it is surprisingly easy to convince ourselves to follow those who may look and act like shepherds, but are not. These individuals do not truly speak of the Holy Spirit or in the Holy Spirit. They are antichrists. Beware the shepherd who is hired and not called. This person has accepted a job; a paycheck is his reward.

Glamour and charisma are no substitutes for the glorification of Jesus. Shepherds like this will promise the sheep greener pastures, but at the first sign of a wolf they flee. In our heart of hearts you and I know who cares for us because they are consistent in their walk, and they always speak of Jesus first and self, second.

This is modeled after Jesus who unfailingly spoke of the Father first and then Himself. If the pronoun “I” or “We” precedes most phrases or conversations, beware of what motivates this individual or this group.

Jesus lays down His life for all of the sheep who hear His voice and follow Him; even black sheep.