John 10:11

Secondly, Christ declareth himselfe to be the true shepherd, in opposition to hirelings, who albeit they have a lawful calling, and do not come to kill with false doctrine, but do preach truth; yet they are unfaithful in the discharge of their trust. In this verse Christ declareth what he is in opposition to these; asserting that he is that good shepherd, who layeth down his life for his sheep. For understanding whereof, it would be considered, that taking these properties of a shepherd strictly, they do properly and only belong to Christ, and by them he is distinguished not only from hirelings or seducers, but from all true Ministers also that are sent out in his name. But considering that he doth approve of lawful shepherds under himselfe, and doth only oppose himselfe here unto hirelings; we may (beside the consideration of what is peculiar to him, or requires a peculiar consideration in him) look to these properties as they are taken more largely, and so some of them do belong also to his faithful servants in their measure and proportion, and by them they are distinguished from hirelings and false teachers. Doctrine 1. Whatever hirelings or seducers infest the Church, yet the elect want not a shepherd; And albeit Christ employ servants under him, yet he doth not give over the charge of his people, but remains still chiefe shepherd and overseer unto them, to care for them, and furnish food unto them by his own appointed means; for, in both these respects, I am the shepherd, saith he. See 1 Pet. 5.4. 2. Christ doth eminently deserve the title of a good shepherd, as being infinite in knowledge, to discerne all the necessities of his flock, and in pity and wisdome, to deal tenderly with them, according to their necessities; for, I am that good shepherd, saith he. See Isa. 40.11. 3. Good and faithful shepherds do preferre the good of their flock, even to their own life; And as Christ not only gives life to his sheep, but his own life for them, by way of ransome; so his faithful servants should not account their life dear, so they may fulfil their Ministry, and bear testimony to the truth: for, it is the character of a true shepherd, the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. And Christ propounds it in general tearmes, to intimate that though this was eminently and singularly true of him, as the Saviour of his people; Yet his servants must be resolved to lay down their lives, not to expiate sinne, but for the service of the Churches faith.