1 Peter - Following Jesus Sample

What makes a good leader? Peter is speaking to elders in the church family. He wants them to shepherd God’s flock. Now he tells them how they should lead.

You will be reminded of Jesus here. These elders are to model themselves on Christ, the ‘Chief Shepherd’ (v. 4). They are to avoid the pitfalls of power and they are to do good.

• What is the first danger to avoid and good to pursue (v. 2)?

Jesus said, ‘No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord’ (John 10:18). Jesus, the good shepherd, willingly laid down his life for his sheep. Christian leaders too are to be willing carers, not resentful conscripts. God wants that.

• What is the second danger to avoid and good to pursue (v. 2)?

Jesus said, ‘the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Mark 10:45). So, elders, be eager to serve too. Leading God’s flock is about giving not getting. Keep asking, ‘What can I give?’ not, ‘What’s in it for me?’ Elders must not be self-serving or corrupt. They must never use their position to pursue ‘dishonest gain’.

• What is the third danger to avoid and good to pursue (v. 3)?

Power brings many temptations. Dishonest gain is one temptation. Lording it over others is another. But elders are not to lead in this way. They are not to arrogantly push people around. They are not to seek glory for themselves. That was not the way Jesus led.

Jesus humbly served his disciples. He even washed their feet and then told them, ‘I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you’ (John 13:15). Jesus showed people the way to live by living that way himself. That is how Christian leaders are to lead too.

All in all, watching over God’s flock sounds a tough job. But Peter gives these leaders a great encouragement: Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, is coming to take his flock home (v. 4). The elders’ job may be tough but it is temporary. Elders won’t be honoured now for what they do, but they will be honoured then. Their suffering won’t last but ’the crown of glory’ will be theirs for keeps.

Is it worth stepping up and shepherding God’s flock? Is it worth keeping going? Christ kept going. He served through suffering all the way to glory. Follow your leader.

Pray

Pray for your church leaders, that in every way they would follow Jesus’ example in the way they lead.