Re: Verse reading–John 10:1-21 (day six)
“The THIEF comes only to steal and kill and destroy. . .the HIRED HAND. . .runs away because he cares nothing for the sheep”–v 10, 12.
The subject is leadership. There are many, says Jesus, who claim to lead the people of God (have authority over or responsibility for the sheep) who are not qualified to do so. Either through active selfishness (thieves) or passive cowardice (hired hands) they fail to protect and promote the welfare of God’s people. Not so with Jesus. Not so with the leaders that He calls and sends to us. Unselfish–motivated by love. Courageous–even in a costly fight. God-called leaders exhibit these characteristics. Why do you think Jesus takes the trouble to make this clear? What responsibility do sheep have in recognizing and responding to God-called leadership? Sheep are helpless, but not so helpless that we cannot hear His voice (or not) in the leaders He sends to us. We must discern.
