RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 15 November 2026 Lesson 11 – The Hireling
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RCCG Sunday School Teacher Manual 15 November 2026 TOPIC — The Hireling
OPENING PRAYER: Father, help me to understand who a hireling is in Jesus’ name. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 15 November 2026 HYMN)
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.
BIBLE PASSAGE: John 10:11-14 (KJV)
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.
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)
LESSON 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?
TEXT REVIEW: JOHN 10:11-14
In this passage, Jesus addressed the issue of a false Christ who tried to manipulate God’s children for their own selfish gain. He gave a sheep contrast between the role of a good Shepherd and that of a hireling. Jesus said:
- He is a good Shepherd and the good …………. vs.11.
- He that is a hireling ……………. vs.12.
- The hireling fleeth …………….. vs.13.
- He is the good Shepherd …………… vs.14.
LESSON OUTLINE 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).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How can believers avoid becoming hirelings and serve with loyalty in the face of economic hardship?
LESSON OUTLINE 2: HIRELING VERSUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD
A. 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.
B. 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).
C. 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).
D. True ministry is not about reward, fame, or recognition; it is about faithfulness.
E. God is still seeking men and women who will stand in the gap, not for gain, but out of genuine love for His flock.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Identify the traits of the hireling and the Good Shepherd in the church today.
CONCLUSION: Some serve when it is convenient, give to be noticed, and withdraw when sacrifice is required, but God is looking for true shepherds.
EVALUATION: Differentiate between a hireling and a good shepherd.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, please give me the heart of a good shepherd in Jesus’ name.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) consequences of being a hireling (2×5=10 Marks).
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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?
