John 10:11-21 | What's happening (and who's involved)?

Jesus continues in His discourse concerning the shepherd analogy. Drawing this critical distinction, Jesus is highlighting how the Pharisees fail to care for people. They are a counterfeit while He is the real deal. The continuation of the analogy into this section emphasizes that all the more.

A comparison is made between a good shepherd and a hireling. A good shepherd was markedly different from how a hireling would handle the flock. For example, he would care for his sheep, do no harm to them, and keep them from harm. If they were sick, he would nurse them back to health. If there was a predator, he would fight on behalf of his sheep. He would fend off thieves should they invade. In short, the shepherd would lay down his life for his sheep. This is not the case of a hireling.

A hireling really has no skin in the game when it comes to dealing with the sheep. He is simply there to get paid. He has no care nor compassion for the sheep. Caring for them is an inconvenience of the job. Should a predator or thief come along, the hireling gives them over. They refuse to put their neck on the line to protect a sheep.

With this distinction being made, Jesus assigns the roles. He is the Good Shepherd. They are the hirelings. He knows His sheep and lays His life down for them. He unites His sheep and desires that none should be scattered. He does this willingly. The result of the discourse leaves the people continuing to argue. Some accuse Jesus of having demons while others deny it could ever be the case.

What observations are you making in this passage?