BEFORE & AFTER THE BOOK OF MALACHI: SEND IN THE HIRELINGS

Modern Application: Warnings and Hope

1. Warning Against Spiritual Compromise: Just as Edom’s betrayal led to their downfall, spiritual leaders and communities must guard against compromise and self-serving motives. Leaders should serve with integrity, humility, and genuine devotion to God and His people.
2. Vigilance Against False Leaders: Jesus warned against “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15) and hirelings who do not truly care for the flock. Believers are called to discern and oppose such influences, seeking leaders who demonstrate Christ-like character.
3. Hope for Restoration: Despite corruption, God promises restoration and justice. Just as Obadiah prophesied the downfall of Edom and the restoration of Israel, God promises that He will raise up faithful leaders and restore His people to spiritual health and integrity.

In summary, the betrayal and pride of Edom symbolize the infiltration of the priesthood by hirelings who betray God’s people for personal gain. Just as Edom faced divine judgment, corrupt spiritual leaders will be held accountable. However, there is hope for restoration and true leadership, as God remains committed to the welfare and spiritual health of His people.

In the biblical context, “hirelings” refer to individuals who serve in positions of responsibility, especially in spiritual or leadership roles, but lack genuine commitment and concern for the well-being of those they are supposed to serve. The term is often used to describe those who perform their duties solely for personal gain, such as money or status, rather than out of a true calling or devotion to God and His people.

Biblical Reference: John 10

The primary reference to hirelings is found in the New Testament, in the Gospel of John, chapter 10. Jesus contrasts Himself, the “Good Shepherd,” with hirelings. Here are the key verses:

• John 10:11-13 (KJV):
  • “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 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. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.”

Characteristics of Hirelings

1. Lack of Genuine Care:
   • Hirelings do not truly care for the flock (the people). They are only interested in what they can gain from their position, whether it be money, power, or prestige. When challenges or dangers arise, they abandon their responsibilities because they are not invested in the well-being of those they serve.
2. Self-Interest:
   • Unlike true shepherds who are willing to sacrifice for the flock, hirelings prioritize their safety and comfort over the needs of the sheep. Their primary motivation is self-interest rather than service.
3. Unreliable in Times of Crisis:
   • When difficulties or threats arise, hirelings are quick to abandon the flock. They flee when the “wolf” (symbolizing danger or false teachings) comes, leaving the people vulnerable and unprotected. This demonstrates their unreliability and lack of commitment.
4. Spiritual Implications:
   • Spiritually, hirelings represent leaders, teachers, or ministers who lack a true calling and devotion to God. They may go through the motions of ministry but are not driven by a love for God or a desire to see His people flourish spiritually. They may exploit their positions for personal gain, leading others astray or failing to protect them from harmful influences.

Modern Application

In contemporary terms, hirelings can be seen in various forms of leadership, especially within the church:

1. In Church Leadership:
   • A hireling might be a pastor, preacher, or church leader who is more focused on personal advancement, financial gain, or public recognition than on serving the congregation. They may avoid confronting difficult issues or protecting the church from harmful influences because doing so could risk their position or popularity.
2. In Secular Leadership:
   • While the term “hireling” is traditionally used in a spiritual context, it can also describe anyone in a leadership or caregiving role who lacks genuine concern for those under their care, whether in education, healthcare, or community service.
3. Discernment for Believers:
   • Believers are called to discern and be wary of hirelings in spiritual leadership. True shepherds are marked by their love for the flock, willingness to sacrifice, and steadfastness in protecting and nurturing those they lead, even in the face of adversity.

 A HIRELING DEFINED, SELF IMPORTANT IN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP (Conclusion)

Hirelings, as described in Scripture, are those who occupy roles of responsibility without genuine dedication or love for those they serve. They prioritize personal gain over the welfare of the people, making them unreliable and dangerous in times of crisis. Believers are encouraged to seek and support true shepherds—leaders who demonstrate Christ-like care, sacrifice, and commitment to the spiritual well-being of the community.

The concept of “hirelings” in the New Testament can indeed be associated with certain figures such as the Pharisees and King Herod, who demonstrated behaviors contrary to the true spiritual leadership exemplified by Jesus. Both the Pharisees and King Herod displayed traits typical of hirelings, such as self-interest, hypocrisy, and neglect of genuine care for the people.

Pharisees as Hirelings

1. Hypocrisy and Self-Righteousness:
   • The Pharisees are often depicted in the Gospels as being more concerned with outward appearances, religious rituals, and maintaining their social status than with truly serving God or the people. Jesus condemned their hypocrisy and self-righteousness, comparing them to “whited sepulchres” (Matthew 23:27) — beautiful on the outside but full of decay inside.
   • Example: In Matthew 23:1-7, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for burdening people with strict interpretations of the law while refusing to help them. They loved the praise of men and sought positions of honor rather than serving humbly.
2. Neglect of Justice, Mercy, and Faith:
   • Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for focusing on minor details of the law while neglecting the weightier matters like justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23). This behavior reflects that of hirelings who, instead of genuinely caring for the spiritual welfare of the people, prioritize legalistic traditions that elevate their own authority.
3. Fear of Losing Influence:
   • The Pharisees opposed Jesus and sought to undermine His ministry because they feared losing their influence over the people. Their primary concern was to protect their status and power rather than recognizing and following the truth of Jesus’ teachings.
4. Neglecting the Needs of the People:
   • In John 9, after Jesus heals a man born blind, the Pharisees interrogate him and his family, displaying a complete lack of compassion for his miraculous healing. Their concern is not for the man’s well-being but for maintaining control over the interpretation of the law and protecting their authority.

King Herod as a Hireling

1. Self-Interest and Political Expediency:
   • King Herod, particularly Herod Antipas, is depicted as a leader primarily concerned with maintaining his power and pleasing the Roman authorities. His decision to execute John the Baptist, despite knowing John was a righteous man, was driven by fear of public embarrassment and political pressure (Mark 6:17-29).
2. Moral Weakness and Manipulation:
   • Herod’s actions regarding John the Baptist show that he was a weak leader swayed by the desires of others, such as his unlawful wife Herodias and her daughter. Instead of standing firm in truth and justice, he allowed himself to be manipulated, displaying the traits of a hireling who prioritizes self-preservation over righteousness.
3. Fear of the People:
   • When Jesus is brought before Herod during His trial, Herod is curious and wants to see a miracle, but he does not seriously engage with Jesus or His message (Luke 23:8-11). He mocks Jesus and sends Him back to Pilate, avoiding any responsibility for making a just decision. This reflects the behavior of a hireling, interested in spectacle and entertainment but unwilling to protect or support what is right.

Comparison to Hirelings

1. Self-Serving Behavior:
   • Both the Pharisees and King Herod exhibit self-serving behavior typical of hirelings. They are more interested in preserving their own power, influence, and comfort than in genuinely caring for the people they lead.
2. Neglect of True Spiritual Leadership:
   • True spiritual leadership, as exemplified by Jesus, involves self-sacrifice, compassion, and a commitment to truth and justice. The Pharisees and Herod, in contrast, avoid these responsibilities, abandoning the people when it conflicts with their personal agendas.
3. Failure to Protect and Guide:
   • Like the hirelings in John 10, who flee when danger comes, the Pharisees and Herod fail to protect and guide the people spiritually. The Pharisees lead people astray with legalism and hypocrisy, while Herod allows injustice and cruelty to prevail.

Application for Today

1. Warning Against False Leaders:
   • The examples of the Pharisees and King Herod serve as warnings against leaders who prioritize their own interests over the spiritual and moral well-being of those they lead. Believers are called to discern true shepherds from hirelings who do not genuinely care for the flock.
2. Seeking Christ-like Leadership:
   • Jesus, the Good Shepherd, contrasts sharply with these hirelings by His willingness to lay down His life for the sheep. True leaders are called to model Christ’s self-sacrificial love, humility, and commitment to truth and justice, standing firm even when it is costly.

In summary, the Pharisees and King Herod serve as clear examples of hirelings—leaders who, out of self-interest and fear of losing their status, neglect their true responsibilities and abandon the people they are supposed to serve and protect. Their behavior stands in stark contrast to the model of true leadership demonstrated by Jesus

Pharisees as Hirelings

1. Hypocritical Leaders:
   • The Pharisees were often more concerned with maintaining appearances and adhering to strict, self-imposed interpretations of the law rather than genuinely guiding the people toward God. Jesus called them out for their hypocrisy and lack of true righteousness.
   • Example: Jesus rebukes them in Matthew 23, calling them “blind guides” (Matthew 23:16) and comparing them to “whited sepulchres” (Matthew 23:27). They were more focused on external purity than on internal righteousness.
2. Burdening the People:
   • The Pharisees placed heavy burdens on the people through their legalistic interpretations of the law, but they were unwilling to help or provide genuine spiritual guidance.
   • Example: In Matthew 23:4, Jesus says, “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.”
3. Self-Interest and Fear of Losing Authority:
   • The Pharisees feared losing their authority and influence over the people, which made them hostile to Jesus’ ministry. They perceived Jesus as a threat to their position and status.
   • Example: In John 11:47-48, after Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, the Pharisees and chief priests convene a council, saying, “If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.”

Sadducees as Hirelings

1. Focus on Political Power:
   • The Sadducees were another religious group that held significant power in the Sanhedrin and were often more concerned with political power and maintaining their privileged position under Roman rule than with true spiritual leadership.
   • They did not believe in the resurrection, angels, or spirits (Acts 23:8), and their teachings were often at odds with those of the Pharisees and Jesus.
2. Manipulation and Control:
   • The Sadducees were instrumental in manipulating the legal and religious processes to maintain their power. Their role in the trial and condemnation of Jesus reflects their priority on self-preservation and political expediency rather than justice and truth.

Scribes as Hirelings

1. Experts in the Law with No Heart for God:
   • Scribes were the scholars and legal experts of Jewish law. They were often allied with the Pharisees and known for their strict interpretation of the Scriptures. However, they, too, were criticized by Jesus for their lack of genuine spirituality and concern for the people.
   • Example: In Luke 20:46-47, Jesus warns, “Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.”

Other New Testament Hirelings

1. Herod the Great and Herod Antipas:
   • Herod the Great, who sought to kill the infant Jesus, and his son Herod Antipas, who beheaded John the Baptist, were leaders who were more interested in maintaining their political power than in the spiritual welfare of the people. They are examples of secular hirelings, using their authority for self-preservation rather than justice or righteousness.
2. Judas Iscariot:
   • Judas, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). His actions epitomize the characteristics of a hireling: self-interest, greed, and betrayal of those he was meant to serve alongside.
3. False Teachers and Prophets:
   • In the New Testament epistles, the Apostles warn against false teachers and prophets who exploit believers for financial gain or personal prestige, similar to hirelings.
   • Example: In 2 Peter 2:1-3, Peter warns, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you… And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.”

Summary of Hireling Characteristics

1. Self-Interest and Self-Preservation:
   • Hirelings prioritize their own safety, status, and wealth over the well-being of those they are supposed to lead.
2. Lack of Genuine Care:
   • They do not truly care for the people or the spiritual welfare of their communities. Their actions are motivated by selfish gain rather than service.
3. Hypocrisy and Legalism:
   • They often hide behind religious practices and appearances of piety but lack true righteousness and love for God and others.
4. Fear of Losing Control:
   • Hirelings are threatened by genuine movements of God and true spiritual leadership, as they fear losing their influence and authority.
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