RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 15 November 2026 – Lesson 11
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TOPIC: The Hireling (RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 15 November 2026)
MEMORY VERSE: 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 scattereth the sheep. – John 10:12 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: John 10:11–14 (KJV) (RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 15 November 2026)
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
12 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 scattereth the sheep.
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
INTRODUCTION: Jesus describes a hireling as someone who looks like a shepherd, acts like one, but runs away when danger comes (John 10:12). Sadly, the spirit of the hireling is still alive today. Have you ever worked with someone who only shows up anywhere there is gain but never cares about the people or the purpose of the job? This lesson challenges us to examine our motives in service: a true shepherd or a hireling in disguise?
LESSON OUTLINES
- FEATURES
- HIRELING VERSUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD
1. FEATURES
- Serves for personal gain. The hireling’s motivation is wages, recognition or benefits. He does not care to know the sheep or understand their needs (John 10:12–13).
- Lacks commitment and loyalty. Works only when it is convenient or profitable. The hireling’s service is transactional; no reward, no service. When challenges arise, he abandons his responsibility (Malachi 1:10; John 10:12).
- Seeks position and reward rather than responsibility. He desires titles or offices for personal comfort rather than to serve God’s purpose (1 Samuel 2:36).
- Fails in times of test or persecution. They cannot endure hardship for Christ’s sake; they quit when the cost is high (Matthew 13:20–21; Zechariah 11:17).
- Seeks human approval rather than God’s commendation. A hireling adjusts his message or actions to please people, not God (Galatians 1:10).
2. HIRELING VERSUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD
In John 10:11–13, Jesus contrasts Himself, being the Good Shepherd, with the hireling who “sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep, and flees.” The hireling’s motive is not love but gain; his service is driven by wages, not by compassion. The difference between the hireling and the Good Shepherd is not in their position but in their heart and motive (1 Peter 5:2–4). Both may hold the title of “shepherd,” but only one truly loves the sheep.
The hireling works for what he can get; the Good Shepherd serves for what He can give, even His life. Jesus calls us not just to serve in His vineyard, but to serve with “His heart”—one that stays even when it costs, one that loves even when it hurts (2 Timothy 2:3–4).
The hireling neglects or exploits the weak, seeks independence and avoids correction (Ezekiel 34:2–4) while the Good Shepherd heals, restores, and strengthens the weak, submits to correction and is accountable (1 Corinthians 9:16–17; John 6:38). The result is that the hireling’s flock are scattered and destroyed while the Good Shepherd’s flock are preserved, united, and multiplied (John 10:28–29). True ministry is not about reward, fame, or recognition; it is about faithfulness. God is still seeking men and women who will stand in the gap, not for gain, but out of genuine love for His flock.
CONCLUSION: Some serve when it is convenient, give to be noticed, and withdraw when sacrifice is required, but God is looking for true shepherds.
QUESTIONS:
- Mention five characteristics of a hireling.
- Differentiate between a hireling and a good Shepherd.
FURTHER READINGS:
Sunday: John 10:12-13 (KJV)
12 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 scattereth the sheep.13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
Monday: Jeremiah 23:1 (KJV)
Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord.
Tuesday: Isaiah 16:14 (KJV)
But now the Lord hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.
Wednesday: Ezekiel 34:2-4 (KJV)
2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. 4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
Thursday: Zechariah 11:17 (KJV)
Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
Friday: 2 Timothy 2:3-4 (KJV)
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Saturday: 1 Peter 5:2-4 (KJV)
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) consequences of being a hireling (2X5=10 marks).
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
