John 10:-13 compares the good shepherd with the hireling. Jesus is the shepherd of the sheep, but he also has under-shepherds. They are commissioned to take care of the flock until the Shepherd returns. Some hirelings pretend to be shepherds but when they see the wolf coming they high tail it out of there and leave the sheep to tend to themselves.
Peter wrote to the elders of the church, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:2-4).
Those who pretend to be shepherds but have a hireling mentality forsake sheep when the sheep are hurting. They may verbally abuse the sheep, continually insist on financial control, and demand strict adherence to their rules. Good shepherds walk the talk, are compassionate and are examples of the Shepherd who gave his life for the sheep.
