The man runs awayThis phrase highlights the lack of commitment and responsibility of the hired servant. In biblical times, shepherds were expected to protect their flock from predators and thieves. A true shepherd, as opposed to a hired hand, would risk his life for the sheep. This distinction is crucial in understanding the role of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep (
John 10:11). The imagery of running away contrasts with the steadfastness and courage expected of a true leader or protector.
because he is a hired servant
The term "hired servant" refers to someone who works for wages rather than out of genuine care or ownership. In the cultural context of the time, hired hands were often seen as less reliable than those who had a personal stake in the flock. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the difference between those who serve God out of love and commitment versus those who do so for personal gain or obligation. The hired servant's lack of personal investment in the sheep symbolizes religious leaders who are more concerned with their own interests than with the spiritual well-being of their followers.
and is unconcerned for the sheep.
This phrase underscores the indifference of the hired servant towards the sheep, which can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual leaders who neglect their duties. InEzekiel 34, God condemns the shepherds of Israel for failing to care for the flock, a prophecy that finds fulfillment in Jesus' critique of the Pharisees and religious leaders of His time. The lack of concern is contrasted with Jesus' deep compassion and care for His followers, as seen in His willingness to sacrifice Himself for their salvation. This serves as a call for true spiritual leaders to prioritize the welfare of their flock above their own interests.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this passage, presenting Himself as the Good Shepherd in contrast to the hired servant.
2.
Hired ServantRepresents those who care for the sheep only for personal gain and lack genuine concern.
3.
SheepSymbolic of believers who require protection and guidance.
4.
The Good ShepherdA title Jesus uses for Himself, emphasizing His sacrificial love and commitment to His followers.
5.
The FlockRepresents the community of believers under the care of the Good Shepherd.
Teaching Points
The Nature of True LeadershipTrue leaders, like the Good Shepherd, prioritize the well-being of those they lead over personal gain.
Commitment to the FlockBelievers are called to be committed to their community, reflecting the dedication of the Good Shepherd.
Discernment in LeadershipChristians should discern between true and false leaders, recognizing those who genuinely care for their spiritual well-being.
Security in ChristBelievers can find security in Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who will never abandon them.
Call to Serve SelflesslyFollowers of Christ are encouraged to serve others selflessly, emulating the Good Shepherd's example.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 10:13?
2.How does John 10:13 illustrate the difference between a hireling and a shepherd?
3.What does "flees because he is a hired servant" reveal about commitment?
4.How can we apply the shepherd's dedication in John 10:13 to our lives?
5.Compare John 10:13 with Psalm 23:1. How do they portray God's care?
6.In what ways can we avoid being like the hireling in our faith?
7.What does John 10:13 reveal about the character of a true shepherd versus a hired hand?
8.How does John 10:13 challenge our understanding of leadership and responsibility in the church?
9.Why does the hired hand flee in John 10:13, and what does this imply about commitment?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 10?
11.Is there only one shepherd?
12.What does 'Jesus loved His own to the end' mean?
13.What defines Christian leadership?
14.Zechariah 13:7 - Who is the 'shepherd' in this verse, and why does the text imply that God himself would strike him, which seems contradictory to other passages?What Does John 10:13 Mean
The man runs awayJesus has just said, “When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away” (John 10:12). That flight reveals character.
• David, the shepherd-king, fought off lions and bears rather than flee (1 Samuel 17:34-35), foreshadowing the courage of the true Shepherd.
• God complained that Israel’s leaders “were scattered for lack of a shepherd” (Ezekiel 34:5). Their absence in crisis mirrored this hired hand.
• By contrast, Christ never retreats; He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) and promises, “I will never leave you” (Hebrews 13:5).
The verse therefore exposes any leader who deserts God’s people when danger appears.
because he is a hired servantThe Lord explains the motive: he serves for wages, not love.
• “The hired hand is not the shepherd and the sheep are not his own” (John 10:12). Ownership breeds devotion; mere employment does not.
• Peter urges elders to shepherd “not for shameful gain, but eagerly” (1 Peter 5:2-3); Paul refused to “peddle the word of God for profit” (2 Corinthians 2:17).
• Isaiah condemned leaders who were “greedy dogs… Shepherds who have no understanding” (Isaiah 56:10-11).
While Scripture allows financial support for ministry (1 Timothy 5:17-18), it condemns ministry driven by paychecks. The Good Shepherd contrasts Himself with any leader whose chief incentive is personal benefit.
and is unconcerned for the sheepA lack of genuine care is the root failure.
• Ezekiel accused false shepherds: “You have not strengthened the weak… but with severity you have dominated them” (Ezekiel 34:4).
• Zechariah warned of the “worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock” (Zechariah 11:17).
• Christ, however, “lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11, 15). His heart mirrors the Father’s, who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one (Luke 15:4-7).
True shepherds imitate Him: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Concern, compassion, and sacrificial protection mark authentic spiritual leadership.
summaryJohn 10:13 exposes the hired hand’s flight, motive, and indifference, underscoring the priceless value of a shepherd who stays, serves from love, and sacrifices for the flock. Jesus embodies that perfect Shepherd; every earthly leader must measure himself against His unwavering, self-giving care.
(13)
The hireling fleeth.--These words are again an addition to the text, and should he omitted with the great majority of the best authorities. If we omit them this verse must be immediately connected with that which precedes, the last clause of which is a parenthesis--"But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth (and the wolf catcheth them, and
maketh havoc)
, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep." The sense is not affected by the omission, and the words were apparently added as a gloss to make the meaning clear. The thought of the hireling is repeated to express the nature of the man, and to strengthen the contrast with the Good Shepherd which immediately follows.
Verse 13. - (
The hirelingfleeth) because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. He only cares for himself. He is no match for the wolf of temptation, or disease, or death, lie wants to reap the personal advantage of his temporary office, and, if his own interests are imperiled, he can leave them to any other hireling, or to the wolf. Melancholy picture this of much deserted duty.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[ The man runs away ] becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.he isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.a hired servantμισθωτός(misthōtos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3411:A hired servant, hireling. From misthoo; a wage-worker.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.is unconcernedμέλει(melei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3199:It is a care, it is an object of anxiety, it concerns. A primary verb; to be of interest to, i.e. To concern.forπερὶ(peri)Preposition
Strong's 4012:From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.sheep.προβάτων(probatōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4263:A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.
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NT Gospels: John 10:13 The hired hand flees because he (Jhn Jo Jn) 
