By Terry Clark
John 10 shows us the very important role of a shepherd. In verses 1-6, Jesus uses the illustration of the shepherd who enters the door, or opening to the sheepfold. Upon seeing the shepherd in the doorway and hearing his voice, the sheep follow the shepherd. Yet when a stranger enters the sheepfold by any other way than the door the sheep flee, because they do not know the voice of a stranger. The context of the passage is explained beginning in verse 7 and following; Jesus is the good shepherd who gave his life for us, and he is the door through which man can be saved.
Jesus continues in verse 12, “But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.” This passage provides a picture of the very important role elders play today in protecting the flock (the church) from harm.
Paul exhorted the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28-31 to shepherd the church which was purchased with the blood of Christ and to guard the flock. Paul warned of savage wolves (men) who would come in among the church, not sparing the flock. Paul further warned of men among them who would rise up and speak perverse (misleading) things to draw away the disciples after themselves. Paul told the Ephesian elders to take heed, to pay very close attention to, and consider carefully, what he was telling them.
Elderships today must be vigilant in guarding and protecting the sheep from harmful advances that may initiate either outside the congregation or from within. I am thankful for this eldership and their resolve to shepherd and feed the flock, to teach the truth, to protect the church from physical harm, to protect against those who might seek to cause spiritual harm or divide, and to guard against false teaching.
The shepherds love and care deeply for you. We seek only to please God and do His will.