| Gentle Leadership? |
|
| |
 Some religions and sadly even some Christians believe that murder, violence and destruction can be justified. When Jesus first came to earth, many Jews expected him to be the kind of Messiah that would save them from Roman oppression. However, Jesus' leadership was totally unexpected. He did not assemble an army of insurgents to terrorize and take power by force.
Instead, he healed the sick and warned them not to reveal who he was, as it says in Matthew 12. In fact, Jesus was not partisan, supporting one group against another at all. Instead, we are told that his name will be the hope of all the world. The fundamental nature of Jesus' leadership is not tyrannical worldly power, persecution or violence, but self-sacrificial service, humility and gentleness. 12:15 And Jesus, having knowledge of this, went away from there, and a great number went after him; and he made them all well, 12:16 Ordering them not to give people word of him: 12:17 So that what was said by Isaiah the prophet might come true, 12:18 See my servant, the man of my selection, my loved one in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit on him, and he will make my decision clear to the Gentiles. 12:19 His coming will not be with fighting or loud cries; and his voice will not be lifted up in the streets. 12:20 The crushed stem will not be broken by him; and the feebly burning light will he not put out, till he has made righteousness overcome all. 12:21 And in his name will the Gentiles put their hope.
|
|
back to top
