The shepherd who has been hired for the job and does not own the sheep, has complete responsibility for the sheep in his care. If something happens to them he must show proof that it was not his fault (Ex 22:13, Amos 3:12). The Mishnah goes on to say that if one wolf attacks the flock, he must defend the sheep or be held accountable; but if two or more wolves attack, he is faced with a superior force and may flee. (Morris)

Exodus 22:13  If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, he shall bring in the remains as evidence and he will not be required to pay for the torn animal.

Amos 3:12  This is what the LORD says: “As a shepherd saves from the lion’s mouth only two leg bones or a piece of an ear, so will the Israelites be saved, those who sit in Samaria on the edge of their beds and in Damascus on their couches.”

True shepherds consider the sheep to be their own and will not flee when danger arrives. This holds true for Jesus and it holds true for those undershepherds of His whom He has appointed to be over His flock today. It is not His purpose for shepherds of the flock of God to be hirelings (1 Peter 5:2). Does this mean that we are not to monetarily compensate our pastors? No. The worker is worthy of that which he is paid. (1 Tim 5:18)  But they must consider the sheep to be their own and act accordingly; their motivation in serving as a pastor is never to be money. It is never to be thought of as a job.

1 Peter 5:2  Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

1 Timothy 5:18  For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”

wolf = a very real danger to a flock, both then and now. (Matt 10:16, Acts 20:29) The flock faces two dangers: the wolves from without and false shepherds from within. Which is worse? The results are quite similar (Eze 34:5) but a defense may be set against a known foe whereas a foe from within may go undetected until it is too late. What is the solution? Never consider the undershepherd to be the Shepherd (beware of a church that is referred to as the minister’s church) and always maintain a living relationship with the Good Shepherd Himself. The Word of God is also a good check on the legitimacy of the undershepherd.

Matthew 10:16  I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Acts 20:29  I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.

Ezekiel 34:5  So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals.