Collect for Easter 4
1 Peter 2: 19-25
John 10: 1-10
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
Previous Posts
Praying Together March 29th 2026
These things are worth meditation and thought, as we enter this Holy Week – but the even more important question that we can only answer for ourselves, is embodied in twelve straightforward words written by Charles Wesley.
How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
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“Lazarus, come out.” He calls Lazarus by name. Even death cannot triumph, and so it is with sin. There is no depth or distance to which human being can go that can prevent them from hearing that call. It is up to them to choose to accept or deny it.
Praying Together 15th March 2026
Simeon, though, didn’t just hear about the Messiah being incarnate in the child – he also knew that the child’s destiny would involve pain and suffering in order to fulfil His mission. And Mary knew too. The consolation of Israel – of the world – would cost her the life of her child.
Praying Together 8th March 2026
And in turn, we are challenged to become messengers ourselves, however unsuitable or ill-equipped we might feel.
Praying Together 22nd February 2026
If we are to appreciate the gentleness of a lamb, we need to know its opposite. If we are to understand what safety is, we need also to experience the possibility of danger.
Praying Together 15th February 2026
Perhaps, when we pray, we need to remember it is the Jesus on the Mountain to whom we address our prayers, the one whose face shines like the sun and transfigures our faces as we radiate in His light.
Praying Together February 8th 2026
Is Jesus suggesting, not to eat and drink? And is he saying we should not wear clothes but go naked?
How unrealistic is this, and how depressing – we need to eat and drink, and we need clothing.
Praying Together February 1st 2026
Christ’s words are given to all His people in the face of the difficulties we ourselves face in life. We claim them and are assured of Blessing. And that is all we need.
Praying Together January 25th 2026
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Praying Together 18th January 2026
In prayer, we ask: Who is God calling to come and use their specific individual gifts to continue to build His Kingdom in the future?
His reply is clear.
“You”, He says.
Praying Together 11 January 2026
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
Praying Together 21st December 2025
Joseph’s example is one of love, human reaction, vocation and ultimate obedience to his Creator. So we rightly celebrate both Mary and Joseph as the chosen parents of the Christ-child. But we must also remember that they were ordinary people with human emotions who lived extraordinary lives.