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 10:12-13 CSB

Such an interesting picture Jesus paints here, contrasting himself with the hired hand, and the wolf as the enemy.

Who's the hired hand that looks after the sheep until it gets tough?

The hired hand has their own agenda. 

Maybe that points at their community leaders who were the elite, those gaining wealth and power.

Maybe it's the government, or simply the ideas of our culture that we ascribe to without real thought or challenge.

Maybe for some you can see the hired hand in your own family. 

For some you might see an ex partner or spouse in this hired hand picture.

But Jesus says he's not like any of those. His agenda is love.

Love for us.

Love that when the wolf demanded something to devour, the only way to defeat it was to give his own life, to be devoured for us.

It seems like a crazy way to fight for your sheep, but it must've been the only way. 

Jesus will not discard you as being of no use, he will not abandon you.

He lays down his life, for you. 

#amazinglovehowcanitbe