Shepherding John 18:1-18 Look for some key words as the passage is read…….KNOW……CARE…..LEAD…….LAY DOWN MY LIFE.

Shepherding

John 18:1-18

Look for some key words as the passage is read…….KNOW……CARE…..LEAD…….LAY DOWN MY LIFE

Why are the leaders called shepherds and

not kings or pharaohs?

What is the comparison with a shepherd?

Let’s now learn some leadership lessons from Jesus the Good Shepherd……….

1. A good shepherd knows his sheep really well

“Nothing is so unequal as to treat all people as equal”

• Detailers – Big picture• Confident – Needing encouragement• Do what is asked – Do more• Sensitive – Insensitive• Introvert – Extrovert• Innovators – Maintainers• Leaders - Followers• Home situations, health, background,

experience, skills and gifts … all differ

PRAISE GOD FOR VARIETY!

• Asks good questions• Observes attentively under different

circumstances• Gives them time … you’ll be surprised

2. The Good Shepherd sometimes helps even by hurting

A shepherds story:

Yeshua ben Yosef from Israel

3. The Good Shepherd cares for the sheep

• Clarity and structureSo often this is lacking in churches/homes!

• An affirming climateMake people feel safe

• Be a visible leader/parentPeople/children get to know and trust you when you are with them

4. The Good Shepherd leads his sheep• “Be shepherds … being examples” (1 Pt 5:3)

As a leader/parent you set the exampleand you shape the ‘church/home” culture

• People tend to copy & imitate(Behaviour, integrity, enthusiasm, openness, accountability, affirming, controlling ...)

• Know where you’re goingand let the vision be the driving forceShare the vision again & again & again …

5. The Good Shepherd pays a high price

• Many times it’s a dirty job

• Often there is not much applause

• Jesus paid the ultimate price - for you and me!

As good shepherds we need to...

1. Know our sheep really well

2. Sometimes help even by hurting

3. Care for our sheep

4. Lead the sheep

5. Know that the price is high

It is a task with a promise!

I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you. I am a witness of Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be revealed. I appeal to you to be shepherds of the flock that God gave you and to take care of it willingly, as God wants you to, and not unwillingly.

Do your work, not for mere pay, but from a real desire to serve. Do not try to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious crown which will never lose its brightness. (1Pe 5:1-4 GNB)