The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters them — in contrast to the good shepherd, the hired hand (misthōtos, one working for wages) has no genuine investment in the sheep's welfare because they are not his own. When danger comes (the wolf represents both literal predators and spiritual enemies, including the Pharisees and death itself), the hired hand flees, exposing the sheep to destruction. This distinction between the shepherd who owns and loves the sheep and the mercenary leader reflects criticism of Israel's actual religious leaders (John 10:40-42 context), who prioritized their positions over the people's spiritual welfare.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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