The Essential Jesus (Part 8): The Beginning Ministry of JesusSample

The Leadership Style of Jesus

PRAY: Heavenly Father, I ask that you give me a clearer picture of who you are as I read your Word today.

READ: Luke 5:1-11

REFLECT: In the book, Managing for the Future, business expert and author Peter Ducker makes this deceptively profound statement: "A leader is someone who has followers." His point is simply this: regardless of your title, what you wear, or how you talk, regardless of any other management theory, if you can't motivate people to follow you, you're not a leader. In Luke 5:1-11, we get a unique insight into how the world's greatest leader recruited followers.

We first notice that the crowds were attracted to Jesus, not because he was a showman but because he was sharing "the word of God" (v. 1). That's still the key to church growth. As we read through the Gospels, we never get the sense that Jesus listened to his "handlers." He often baffled them by doing the opposite of what they thought would gain popularity (John 6:60, 66). Jesus' goal was not popularity but to attract followers (Matthew 9:9; Mark 1:17; Luke 18:22; John 21:19).

We next notice how Jesus recruited followers one at a time, which is what Peter's experience shows us (Luke 5:4-11). Jesus took the trouble to communicate in a language Peter could understand - the fishing business. We are mistaken to think God only works in a church or other religious setting. God is at work everywhere in his world. Life takes on new meaning when we look for him in the details of our day.

The bulging nets convinced Peter he was in the presence of a higher power (v. 8). Interestingly, his first thought wasn't to snap a picture for the wall of his den: Peter and Jesus, arm in arm in front of the unbelievable mound of fish. Instead, he thought of his sin. That's what a real encounter with God does. It reveals the distance between God's holiness and our corruption. Even so, we have nothing to fear (v. 10). Jesus came to restore the relationship between sinful humans and a holy God. That's the reason to follow him.

APPLY: Do you ever feel afraid of God? Why?

PRAY: Lord, I ask that you would open my eyes to how you are at work in the details of my day and life.

Discussion Questions for "The Beginning Ministry of Jesus"

1. Do you think God is pleased with you (Matthew 3:17)? Why?
2. Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness. Have you ever done something to help you get alone with God? What happened?
3. The devil tempted Jesus. Do you think the devil is active today?
4. Do you think the combination of fasting and praying is a healthy spiritual exercise? Why? What has been your experience with these disciplines?
5. Does the church you attend attract people who are disturbed or troubled? How could your congregation be more effective at introducing these and all people to Jesus?
6. What do you think it means to follow Jesus today?
7. Jesus challenged his followers to "Come, follow me... and I will send you out to fish for people" (Matthew 4:19 TNIV). What do you think he meant? How can we "fish for people" today?

The Essential Jesus (Part 9): The Sermons of Jesus

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