JESUS’ UNIQUE METHODS were a clear sign to the people, or should have been, that He was going to be a different kind of leader, not modeled after the traditions and standards of the world (cf. Mark 7.6,  9; 1 John 5.19)…

The Father’s business had to be conducted by the Father’s rules, which included leadership methods.  He did not use the contemporary models of leadership:

.  The conquering Roman general

.  The Greek orators or debaters

.  The successful merchants and businessmen

.  The senators or governors of the Roman Empire

.  The Jewish model (cf. Matthew 23)

.  The success guru

.  The democratic-political model

.  The dictator

.  The savvy financial management model

.  The great strategist model

.  The “most popular person” model

.  The CEO, boss, motivator, or manager model

How simple!  The radical leadership concept introduced by Jesus:  shepherding sheep.  He cut across all models of leadership in His day.  The norms and expectations for leaders who would be world-changers were radical to observers, and even in our day by those who don’t understand the Father’s business.

Jesus chose the shepherd model for Himself and for those who would be His followers.  These under-shepherds would change the world with this simple, but demanding, model of leadership.  The kingdom would be perpetuated by no other means.  The shepherd model would lead Christ’s church to victory; not the oppressive, bossy, dictatorial leadership models of Rome.

His was the way of the towel, not the sword or human wisdom or power.  Church leaders would be shepherd-servants like their Master; they would be known by their love for Him and for one another (John 14.15; 13.34-35)…  J.J. Turner, “The Shepherding Model,” Shepherds, Wake UP!” 16-17

“Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the LORD said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.’”  2 Samuel 5.2

–Mike Benson