John 10:11-15 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.… I. MERCENARY. He tends the flock simply for wages as Jacob did (Genesis 29:15, 13), though not with the love that Jacob showed (Genesis 31:33). An emblem of the Pharisees and Jewish rulers generally who served God in a purely legal spirit, and shepherded the flock with an eye to the merit they might acquire, or the recompense they should receive; of those who in Christ's day thrust themselves into the priest's office for a morsel of bread (1 Samuel 2:36); of all who enter the ministry for filthy lucre's sake (Titus 1:11). II. SELFISH. He pursues his calling with an eye to his own interest and comfort — a type of Ezekiel's shepherds (Ezekiel 34:2-3), and of so-called Christian pastors who use their official position solely to secure worldly emolument, social preferment, or temporal renown (1 Timothy 3:3, 3). III. NEGLIGENT. Chiefly occupied with thoughts of his own happiness, he not only leaves the sheep to cater for themselves (Ezekiel 34:4; Zechariah 11:16, 17), but fleeing at the first approach of danger, permits the helpless creatures to be ravaged and scattered. Once more a representative of the corrupt hierarchy that presided over Israel, and of such nominally Christian teachers who, neglecting the highest interests of their people, leave them to fall a prey to the principalities and powers of evil. (T. Whitelaw D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.WEB: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. |
    |