Once upon a time there was a flock of sheep. As other shepherds have done, the shepherd of the sheep hired a wild donkey to provide a line of defense against wolves (1). After the wolves suffered injury from the donkeys’ bite and hooves, they started to change their tactics. The wolves decided to become masters of disguise in order to come amongst the sheep undetected. So they wore sheep masks, put on sheep make-up, and clothed themselves with complete sheep costumes with wool and hooves.
Over time, many sheep had “the wool pulled over their eyes” as the wolves duped them into their inner circle. Wolves would isolate various sheep by inviting them out into the woods in order to discuss matters concerning the shepherd’s inept leadership. Out in the woods, sometimes sheep would consider returning to the flock and submitting to the shepherd’s leadership. At such times the wolves responded by attacking those sheep, their masks falling off in the process. Many of these sheep never returned to the flock. Others, if they did not get devoured by the wolves for lunch, managed to escape with their lives. However, many sheep remained severely traumatized, wounded, and injured by the wolves’ attack.
Of those wounded sheep who survived the woods, many found shelter throughout the wilderness but did not want to return to the flock. “I’m not going back to that flock,” many of them said, “It’s full of wolves.” Back in the flock, the healthy sheep who had recognized the wolves and remained safe from their deception and tactics felt bad for those hurt, wounded sheep. The sheep wandering about in the wilderness were left vulnerable to the threat of wild animals and often suffered the lack of dependable food, water, and shelter.
Those sheep who always remained close to the shepherd were never worried about where their next meal was coming from. They felt safe and protected by a master who knew the terrain better than they did. As they knew and trusted their shepherd’s voice, they did not associate with those fake “sheep” who were constantly gossiping about other sheep and complaining about the shepherd’s leadership. Consequently, they never joined those fake “sheep” who led other sheep into the woods in order to better discuss why the shepherd’s leadership was inept.
Thus, the sheep who were intimately familiar with the shepherd’s voice through consistent and constant time in his presence did not have any time or tolerance for idle gossip. Other sheep, however, continued to reel from wounds and hurt, as they lacked the practical discernment to identify the wolves.
Questions for reflection:
- Why did the wolves wear masks? What were they trying to hide and why?
- It has been said that in Ancient Writings “wolves” represent “hypocrites.” (2) The ancient Greek word for “hypocrite” connotes an actor, pretender, or stage-player, that is, one who wears a mask. (3) How were the wolves in this story “hypocritical” or hiding their true intentions?
- An ancient Proverb says that “The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.” (4) How does this proverb define a hypocrite? How might this help us to better identify a hypocrite?
- How is a person who gossips, slanders, or says bad things about other people behind their backs hypocritical? Do they employ a double-standard when it comes to treating people the way that they want to be treated?
- Sometimes a leader does display inept and toxic qualities. What standard do you use to identify whether or not a leader is good or bad, trustworthy or disingenuous? See Ezekiel 34 for another analogy about good and bad shepherds (pastors or spiritual leaders).
- https://themaverickobserver.com/donkeys-donkeys-serve-as-livestock-guardians/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThey%20are%20an%20especially%20alert,may%20discourage%20predators%20as%20well.%E2%80%9D Accessed Sunday, 9-3-23. https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-ranchers-in-wolf-range-to-get-help-to-protect-livestock/600131726/ Accessed Sunday, 9-3-23.
- Perry Classics | It’s Illegal to Eat Eagle
- https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5273/kjv/tr/0-1/
- Proverbs 11:9 NKJV