Compare Isaiah 56:11 with John 10:12-13 on shepherds' responsibilities. Scripture Passages in Focus Isaiah 56:11 – “Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each one after his own gain, from the first to the last.” John 10:12-13 – “The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.” False Shepherds Exposed in Isaiah 56 • Driven by appetite: “never satisfied.” • Spiritually dull: “shepherds who lack understanding.” • Self-directed: “they all turn to their own way.” • Greedy: “each one after his own gain.” • Universal failure: “from the first to the last.” Similar language appears in Ezekiel 34:2-4, where shepherds feed themselves instead of the flock. The Hired Hand in John 10 • No true ownership: “the sheep are not his own.” • Flight in crisis: “he abandons the sheep and runs.” • Consequent harm: “the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.” • Root issue: “unconcerned for the sheep.” This echoes Zechariah 11:17, a woe on the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock. Shared Problems: Self-Interest vs. Sacrifice • Motivation: both passages condemn leaders whose primary motive is personal gain or safety. • Neglect: both leave sheep vulnerable—Isaiah’s shepherds through indifference, John’s hired hand through abandonment. • Outcome: scattered, wounded, and exploited sheep (Jeremiah 23:1-2). Christ, the Model Shepherd • John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” • Psalm 23 – portrays the Lord’s personal, protective care. • Hebrews 13:20 – Jesus is the “great Shepherd of the sheep.” Unlike Isaiah 56’s predators and John 10’s hireling, Christ shows: – Sacrificial love. – Continuous presence. – Intimate knowledge of every sheep (John 10:14). Practical Takeaways for Today’s Leaders • Feed rather than exploit (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3). • Stay when wolves appear—protect through truth and discipline (Titus 1:9). • Pursue the strays (Luke 15:4-7). • Lead by example, not for gain (1 Thessalonians 2:5-8). • Measure success by flock health, not personal benefit. Encouragement for the Flock • Trust the Good Shepherd—He never abandons (Hebrews 13:5). • Discern shepherds by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). • Pray for and support faithful leaders (Hebrews 13:17). |
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