The Good Shepherd

Only Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows who are His own brothers and sisters.  An unfaithful shepherd working just for his wages does not protect his flock deserting them in the face of danger — The wealth of the world is the chief of their good” (Matthew Henry Commentary).  The unfaithful shepherd “undertook the shepherds’ office, as a trade to live and grow rich by, not as an opportunity of serving Christ and doing good” (Matthew Henry Commentary) leaving the flock to the wolves.  However, the flock who knows that Jesus knows them intimately have “a deep personal relationship with” Him (John 10:14 AMP).  Through the teachings of Jesus we know that we are safe, and that “under His wings shalt (we) trust (Him),” and “His truth shall be (our) shield and buckler” (Psalm 91:4 KJV).

12 But the hired man [who merely serves for wages], who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away; and the wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them.  13 The man runs because he is a hired hand [who serves only for wages] and is not concerned about the [safety of the] sheep.  14 I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me] —  John 10:12-14 AMP (Amplified Bible).