I am the good shepherd.   The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

The hired hand, 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.

This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn't care about the sheep.

John 10:11-13 CSB

Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Sheep.

Wolves.

Hired hand who is supposed to care for the  sheep.

I'm OK being a sheep in this story from Jesus. He's the One who brings the all-around more-than-expected life, and gives himself so that I am safe.

But from my "sheep" perspective, it's hard to tell the difference between the Good Shepherd and the Hired Hand. 

But when the wolf turns up, the Hired Hand gaps it. 

The Hired Hand is prepared to sacrifice the sheep to save themselves.

The Hired Hands appear to be the cultural/religious leaders (see Ch9). I wonder who they are today? Perhaps the voice of the world that tells us what success looks like. 

Instagram followers. 

Who are the "Hired Hands" that can look and sound like a Good Shepherd?

The Good Shepherd will do whatever it takes to save his sheep, because unlike the Hired Hand, he does care. 

He loves.

Loves you.

#christmas

#thisislove

#belong

#safe

#dearlyloved