Jesus uses the metaphor of the sheep and the shepherd to describe the relationship between leaders and the people they lead. He describes those ‘thieves and bandits’ who are in a leadership position for what they can get out of it, in a direct criticism applicable to all of them, both then and to this day.
The litmus test of true leadership is their motivation. Do leaders act primarily out of political expediency to preserve their own status, or are they prepared to do what is right for the common good, even at the expense of their comfort and position?
The Temple authorities, legalists, Pharisees, and Sadducees each had their own motives, largely concerned with maintaining status and religious structures; King Herod was more interested is keeping on good terms with the Roman occupiers in order to underpin his (dubious) right to the throne. In neither case was there due (if any) regard paid to the benefits and needs of the ordinary people.
There are a number of different leadership styles; in brief, they can be summarised in three groups. We see Directive leaders who tell people what they should do; Collaborative leaders , who act as coaches and work alongside their team to maximize their use of gifts and talents to achieve their goals; and Servant leaders, who put their followers first and do whatever it takes to help their team become self-fulfilled. The best leaders of all are those who are not restricted to just one of those approaches, but can deploy them according to the needs of a situation. Jesus is the exemplar of them all; but His servanthood is overwhelming, even unto death.
Certainly in history there are leaders who have put themselves at risk for the sake of justice for those they lead, and history rightly celebrates them. The apostle Peter commends all those who suffer in following the footsteps of Christ – but the supreme example of leadership is seen in Jesus Himself. Despite rejection, betrayal, humiliation and unspeakable pain, He is the Shepherd who comes to give the gift of abundant life. He offers the ultimate sacrifice, not just for His immediate followers, but for all who ask, then and now. He is the Lamb who loves His lambs, even enough to give them the freedom to reject Him – and His pain is magnified when they do.
Go in peace, to love and praise the Lord and all His creation, giving thanks for the blessings of tomorrow – and the day after, then the day after that, and all your days. In the name of Christ. Amen
