My Shepherd is very concerned E has the momentum and power. Currently, that is true. Not because E has a following, but because nobody would suspect what E is doing. The sheep are trusting the Shepherd to lead them in safety.
My Shepherd knows E is a wolf seeking to destroy. The sheep don’t even sense the danger. Only the Shepherd and the few sheep who have been threatened realize the wolf lurks waiting for a moment of weakness. The wolf may attack only for that reason… there is a moment of weakness and instinct says to pounce. I see no other objective than opportunity.
Taking out the wolf will be scary for many. It puts the Shepherd in danger. It puts sheep in danger, especially of scattering. It leaves the Shepherd’s friends and family wondering why one would ever want to be a Shepherd or even be around a flock. It leaves the Shepherd wondering if there is a better occupation than being a Shepherd.
If the Shepherd resigns his flock, what good will come though? The wolf will feel bolder and will attack sheep at will. He will not be intimidated by the next shepherd either. If the Shepherd becomes too beat up will he have the energy and passion to protect another flock? But if the Shepherd takes on the wolf, he can lose it all. The wolf is very dangerous. He is not constrained by consequences.