The Mystery of the Wolves from Ancient Times, the Occult, and Your Life | Jonathan Cahn Sermon

The battle between the shepherd and the wolf reflects a deeper, spiritual truth. In the Christian faith, the ultimate enemy, Satan, is often symbolized as the wolf, while the ultimate Savior is the Lamb of God. The wolf represents all that opposes the shepherd, who is both Messiah and the protector of the flock. In Scripture, Israel is frequently referred to as God’s flock, with His people seen as sheep in need of a guiding shepherd. This imagery isn’t coincidental—it reflects the Jewish heritage of the Christian faith, where leaders are likened to “pastors” or shepherds, and their communities are called “flocks.” These references underscore a pastoral heritage, rooted in the culture of the Jewish people, who, like shepherds, tended sheep.

Throughout the Bible, prominent figures such as Moses and David were first shepherds of sheep before God called them to lead His people. God Himself is often described as the Shepherd of Israel, watching over and providing for His people. In Hebrew, the term for shepherd, “ro’eh,” means “one who sees.” A shepherd, therefore, is one who sees the needs of the flock, nurtures them, and protects them. Jesus, the Messiah, referred to Himself as the “Good Shepherd” who would lay down His life for His sheep. He is also described as the “chief Shepherd,” emphasizing His ultimate role as protector and guide.

Sheep, however, are vulnerable to predators, with the wolf being their chief adversary. Wolves symbolize danger to the flock, which is why shepherds are crucial for their survival. Wolves are depicted in Scripture as threats to God’s people. For example, in Ezekiel 22:27, the rulers are compared to wolves devouring their prey. In Matthew 7, Jesus warns of false prophets who come in “sheep’s clothing” but are inwardly “ravenous wolves.” Paul also cautions that after his departure, “grievous wolves” would enter and harm the flock (Acts 20). These wolves represent divisive, harmful, and destructive individuals driven by evil forces to disrupt God’s people.

The Good Shepherd, however, is ready to protect and sacrifice Himself for His sheep. As Jesus explains in John 10, a true shepherd stays with the flock, while a hired hand abandons them in times of danger. The wolf’s goal is to scatter and destroy, opposing the protective nature of the shepherd. If the shepherd is Christ, the spiritual wolf is Satan—the enemy who seeks to harm God’s people and disrupt His works.

Satan, as the chief wolf, uses various strategies to attack God’s flock. Wolves, in nature, follow herds to create fear and distress, sometimes darting back and forth to confuse and exhaust their prey. They work cooperatively, waiting for the right moment to strike. Similarly, Satan often sows discord, confusion, and division among believers, aiming to weaken and destroy God’s community. Just as sheep need a shepherd for protection, God’s people need His guidance and care to withstand the attacks of the enemy.