Ellen White on John 10:13: The Spirit of the Hireling

John 10:13

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

John 10:13 describes the character of the hireling who flees in times of danger because he works only for wages and has no genuine concern for the flock3SG 122.3+1. This verse reveals a spirit of selfishness and a lack of the self-sacrificing love that characterizes the True ShepherdPP 191.1+1.

The Spirit of the Hireling

The hireling is defined by his motives, as he labors merely for personal gain rather than the interest of those under his chargePP 191.1.

• Self-Interest: He is continually studying his own profit, ease, and advantage instead of the welfare of the flock3SG 122.3+1.

• Unfaithfulness in Peril: When the wolf comes, he does not stand his ground to protect the sheep but flees to ensure his own safetyST December 4, 1893, par. 6+1.

• Lack of Ownership: Because the sheep are not his own, he feels no deep, personal responsibility for their lives or safetyPP 191.1+1.

• Mercenary Motivation: He views his duties as a disagreeable task and works only for the remuneration he receives1SP 115.2+1.

Contrast with the Good Shepherd

The True Shepherd stands in stark contrast to the hireling through His infinite sacrifice and personal careST November 20, 1893, par. 5.

• Total Devotion: While the hireling flees to save his life, the Good Shepherd willingly lays down His life for the sheep John 10:11GW 181.1.

• Personal Connection: Jesus knows each of His sheep by name and cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earthSJ 75.5+1.

• Constant Protection: He is always with His flock to defend them from wolves and lead them to safe pastures and living waters8LtMs, Ms 73, 1893, par. 9.

Lessons for Leaders and Parents

The warning against the hireling spirit applies to anyone in a position of trust, including ministers and parentsCE 158.2+1.

• Church Leadership: Ministers must not work in the spirit of a hireling, doing a stated amount of work for a stated reward, but must serve willingly and with a ready mind2T 345.3+1.

• Parental Responsibility: Mothers who sacrifice their duties to their children for fashionable pleasures or give their children over to hirelings are neglecting a sacred trust and may impart an unholy temperament to their offspringCD 226.5+1.

• Restitution and Judgment: Those who have oppressed the hireling in his wages or acted with selfishness in business transactions will face a fearful reckoning at the final judgment Malachi 3:52T 159.1+1.

Avoiding the Hireling Spirit

To be true undershepherds, we must be transformed by the grace of Christ and cultivate a spirit of self-forgetfulnessGW 184.2.

• Following the Pattern: We must learn to drink of the same cup as Christ and be baptized with His baptism of self-sacrifice1LtMs, Lt 9, 1857, par. 4+1.

• Restoring the Erring: Instead of having a cold indifference that says "let them go" when souls wander, we must manifest the undying care and tenderness of the Great Shepherd2T 18.2+1.

• Individual Experience: Every believer must learn to distinguish the voice of the True Shepherd from that of a stranger to avoid being led into unsafe paths John 10:4-51888 1001.3+1.

Ultimately, the reward of the faithful shepherd is to enter into the joy of the Lord, seeing souls saved through self-denial and unwearied labor 1 Peter 5:4T20 196.1. 🕊️