The Good Shepherd

King & Shepherd

In the ancient world, the term "Shepherd" was synonymous with Kings. When we talk about the "Good Shepherd," we refer to the world receiving a new king, a new shepherd. We have seen how they treated Jesus, how the powers of earthly kings are wielded through violence, fear, an iron fist, backroom deals involving money, and illegal midnight trials where powerful people conspire to get rid of a revolutionary who had won the hearts of the poor Jewish people. Jesus, in John 10:1-18, wants to change how we understand power, kings, spiritual leadership, etc. He wants us to build a new picture of what it looks like to be both good and to have power.

Jesus also warns his audience about two different types of leaders that rise to power and do wrong by the people. In John 10:1-3, Jesus tells us that leaders arise in various ways and with good and bad motives.

The Grasper

The first type of leader that Jesus describes is the "Grasper," who is "a thief and a robber," one who "does not enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in by another way" (John 10:1). This person is grasping at power and will use any means necessary to attain it, whether by crafting a false identity, using strong-arm tactics, deception, or any number of creative methods to build a following for themselves. The Grasper wants to rule and will use any method, whether good or bad, to build an audience of loyal followers and keep them in line.

The Hireling

The second type of leader that Jesus warns about is the "Hireling." The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. When the hireling 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 hand and cares nothing for the sheep (Jn 10:12–13). The Hireling took the job for the money, the attention, and the benefits. The sheep are only a means to an end. Profit and food. They ultimately mean nothing to the hireling because this type of shepherd prioritizes personal gain over the well-being of those they serve. There are many spiritual leaders who’s first priority is their paycheck. They are glad people are in the seats, not because people have been drawn to Jesus, but because they get to keep their paycheck.

The Grasper and the Hireling are both detrimental to the well-being of the people they lead. Jesus, in contrast, is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. He lays down His life for His sheep. Jesus gives us a new picture of leadership, one that centers around love, sacrifice, and servitude. He is not interested in leaders who use their power to build their brand or prioritize their paycheck over the well-being of those they serve. Jesus wants us to lead like He did, laying down our lives for others and putting their needs before our own.

For many, the skeptic, the disillusioned, and the deconstructor, their doubts started with a perceptive look at their leaders, and they do not see Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

In what ways does Jesus challenge our understanding of power and leadership in the context of spiritual leadership?

What are the dangers of leaders who prioritize personal gain over the well-being of those they serve? How might this impact the people who are being led?

How might we recognize when a leader is more concerned about their own brand or paycheck than the well-being of their followers? What are some red flags to watch out for?

How can we ensure that leaders in spiritual leadership positions are motivated by love for their followers rather than personal gain?

In what ways can we apply the lessons from Jesus' teachings on leadership to other areas of our lives, such as politics or business?