Shepherding was hard (Genesis 31:38–40) and dangerous (1 Samuel 17:34–37) work in the ancient middle east. Jesus is comparing His role as a "good shepherd" to false religious leaders. At worst, they are like thieves and robbers who actively prey on the flock (John 10:10). Others are like hired hands who don't actually own the sheep. They provide a certain level of care—in this case, spiritual leadership—but run away when faced with personal loss or risk (John 10:12). These hired hands don't actually care for the sheep, for the sheep's sake. They only care for what the sheep can do for them. Jesus, by contrast, is willing to lay down His life for the sake of "His" sheep.
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Answer:
Shepherding was hard (Genesis 31:38–40) and dangerous (1 Samuel 17:34–37) work in the ancient middle east. Jesus is comparing His role as a "good shepherd" to false religious leaders. At worst, they are like thieves and robbers who actively prey on the flock (John 10:10). Others are like hired hands who don't actually own the sheep. They provide a certain level of care—in this case, spiritual leadership—but run away when faced with personal loss or risk (John 10:12). These hired hands don't actually care for the sheep, for the sheep's sake. They only care for what the sheep can do for them. Jesus, by contrast, is willing to lay down His life for the sake of "His" sheep.