Passage: John 10:1-21, John 13:1-35, Mark 10:42-45
Last week we started to consider both our personal motivation to be a leader and what leadership looks like as we focused on the principles of a shepherd from Psalm 23.
This week we continue to explore our motivation to lead and leading as a shepherd
Jesus The Good Shepherd
At the end of last weeks reading Peter called Jesus the “Great Shepherd”, this week we focus on some lessons from Jesus that will help inform and enhance our understanding and practice of leadership.
In John 10:11 we read that Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd and here Jesus shares more important truths about being a Shepherd:
The good shepherd:
- v3, 4, 14 – knows the sheep by name and calls them to follow Jesus. The sheep/church do this because they know the shepherds voice and this empowers them to ignore the harmful voices of strangers.
- v10 – desires that his sheep will have life to the fullest.
- v11, 15 – sacrifices for the sheep.
- v12, 13 – will not abandon the sheep.
- v16 – goes to call more sheep.
All of the above are important universal characteristics of Elders.
How can elders and leaders within the church live each of these out?
Jesus The Example
In 1 Peter 5:2-4 we were reminded that the Elders are: 1) to be willing, 2) to serve and 3) be examples. These 3 callings are key to the Christian life and especially those called to shepherd like Jesus those who desire to be in the Eldership or Leadership.
We see that Jesus was:
1) Willing – Mark 1:40-45
Time and again Jesus willingly helped others bringing hope and direction to their lives.
Willingness comes from a humble heart motivated by love and a desire to put God and others first.
As you assess our lives, what is our level of willingness and what can hold us back?
2) A Servant – Mark 10:42-45
Willingness is essential as we seek to be servants.
A Servant:
- sees a need
- is moved in their heart
- does something
Jesus calls those who wish to be leaders to lead from a place of servanthood.
What does it look like to be a servant in your life and in the church?
Jesus’ ultimate act of service was him dying on the cross. How does this help us to understand the importance of sacrificial service?
3) An Example – John 13:1-17
As the church willingly serves it will be an example to those within the church and the community.
Living out our faith is vitally important, in this simple but lowly act his disciples would have caught so much more than if Jesus had simply used words.
What is our example to the people around us?
Jesus The Teacher and Guide
Jesus changed the world, as the Good Shepherd, through the power and Jesus’ example, teaching and guidance.
As Christians and Leaders Jesus called us to change the world as we:
- Love God and our neighbours – Luke 10 25-32 – The Good Samaritan
- Love one another – John 13:34, 35
- Tell the world – Acts 1:8
As we read these what positive actions and and mindsets can we put in place so that we live them out seeking to change the world?
Elder and leaders are to be people who are motivated to seek to become more like Jesus, learning from him as a shepherd, example and teacher.
Trinity Deeper 