It can be argued that some who put themselves forward as leaders, do so for selfish rather than selfless motives. In today’s reading Jesus presents an alternative approach – sacrificial love.

This week's news

                                 
In London, the key mayoral candidates are gearing up for the final days of campaigning for the mayoral elections.

As part of a media offensive, following what he admitted had been a ‘difficult’ month for the Government, Prime Minister David Cameron has defended his performance in Number 10.

Fresh from the first round of elections in France, the candidates, President Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, prepare to woo voters for the second round of elections on 6 May 2012.

The appointment process to replace Dr Rowan Williams as the next Archbishop of Canterbury has become engulfed in allegations of racism.

Reflection

Any search on the Amazon website, or a visit to the local bookstore, will reveal a plethora of printed material on the subject of leadership. It is debatable whether any secular study material would recommend that would-be leaders adopt the shepherd-like leadership approach, as opposed to those associated with a captain of industry, a politician or a community leader. 

Yet, in both John 10.11-18 and Psalm 23 we see examples of our Lord’s leadership style, which fully embraces our spiritual, emotional and physical needs: Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is tough but tender, thoughtful but decisive, holy yet merciful, and above all commanding but sacrificial. And in an age where our political leaders are said to be ‘out of touch’ with the people they supposedly serve, our Good Shepherd has a close relationship to those he loves and serves. This relationship is also a constant one, and unlike those in politics, it is not characterised by an upsurge of interest every four years – usually around election time! 

Jesus’ form of leadership also looks out for ‘the last, the least and lost’ – rather than seeking to ignore or exploit them. Equally, he actively seeks out those who lag behind or wander away, and shirks the current trend of ‘strong’ leadership, which ‘fires’ the weakest link and rewards the ruthlessly ambitious. 

The Spanish word for shepherd is pastor, which is an apt term for those the Lord calls to be the shepherds of his sheep. Nevertheless, many Christians in leadership roles have greater problems exercising the sacrificial dimension than they do in exercising power. Sadly, terms such as ‘power hungry’ and ‘heavy shepherding’ are often used as much as ‘sacrificial’ or ‘servant-hood’ to describe the leadership of those in churches. 

There is little doubt that the shepherd/sheep relationship is based on trust. The sheep entrust their welfare to the shepherd; they rely on this figure to provide them with the wherewithal to live. And when they are in trouble or peril, they depend on the shepherd for help. Likewise, they trust that the shepherd, because he cares for them, will not lead them astray. 

Akin to all relationships, it takes time to build up this trust. In John 10.11-12, Jesus suggests that the sheep are the shepherd’s property, which means the two have spent a great deal of time in each others’ company, resulting in such a close relationship. Jesus also points out that such is the Good Shepherd’s love for his sheep is such that he is prepared to risk life and limb to protect them. Jesus clearly shows us that love is invariably costly, and intertwined with sacrifice.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus suggests that the sheep are familiar with the Good Shepherd’s voice, and as such choose to follow him. Christians have heard the Lord’s call and have chosen to follow him. However, akin to the prodigal son, not every sheep will take heed of the Good Shepherd, and some will wander off. Moreover, there are others who have never heard his call.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your assurance in leading us;
give us the wisdom and power to follow you.
We thank you for your promise to give insight to those who need of it.
Good Shepherd, we come to you as your children,
asking for guidance as we contemplate the route to take in life.
Guide all our efforts to walk the narrow road,
so that your name is gloried by the way we live.
We also pray that others may see our lives,
and be drawn towards you.
This we ask in Jesus’ name.  
Amen.

Questions

• How can we improve our capacity to ‘hear’ Jesus’ call more clearly?
• How can we apply the Lord’s style of leadership in our day to day lives?

Action

In John 21.15-16, Jesus reinstates Peter and instructs him to ‘feed my lambs’ and ‘take care of my sheep’. How can we practically carry out these commands among those around us? 

Young People

The Lord’s ‘call’ often takes many forms. Traditionally, evangelists and missionaries were responsible for spreading the good news. In our globalised, internet age, there is a growing number of ways to disseminate the gospel. Find out more about these imaginative efforts, and discovers ways in which you can support them.

Richard Reddie is a writer and researcher. His latest book, Martin Luther King Jr: History Maker, is published by Lion Hudson. He worships at St James Church (CofE) West Streatham, London.

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