The Essence of Leadership: A Biblical Perspective Through Jesus’ Example (Mark 6:30-34)
Leadership is an elusive concept, challenging to define and often misunderstood. Despite the abundance of literature and multimedia resources offering guidance on leadership, our world remains in dire need of true leaders. The persistence of poverty, corruption, extrajudicial killings, and populism highlights this deficiency. Elections become pivotal moments for society to express and seek the qualities it desires in a leader. Yet, leadership is not merely a position or a set of skills; it is a matter of the heart and spirit. Within the Ignatian tradition, a great leader is one who discerns deeply and strives to emulate Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
Leadership in the Scriptures
The Bible presents contrasting stories about leadership. In Jeremiah 23:1-6, the scripture narrates the state of leadership in Israel, particularly focusing on shepherds, kings, rulers, priests, and prophets who were entrusted with the care and guidance of God’s people. Instead of protecting and nurturing, these leaders caused harm and dispersion. They “mislead and scatter the flock,” failing in their duty to God’s people. Despite the suffering, the Lord remained faithful to his covenant, promising to send righteous leaders who would protect and care for the people.
In contrast, Mark 6:30-34 in the New Testament highlights Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He is depicted as the wise, just, and righteous king who genuinely cares for his flock and disciples. Even when unable to eat and rest, Jesus attends to their physical and spiritual needs. “His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.” Through Jesus’s ministry, God’s saving power is present in a new and definitive way.
Jesus as the Ideal Leader
Jesus’s life and ministry reveal the values of the Kingdom of God. His preaching, use of parables, driving out of evil spirits, comforting the afflicted, forgiving sins, sharing meals with others, and engaging with people are manifestations of the Kingdom he preaches. Jesus exemplifies the kind of shepherd and leader that the people of God need—a leader who does not mislead and scatter the flock. Truly, Jesus is our shepherd; in him, we shall not want.
Leadership Today
We still encounter today leaders similar to those portrayed in the Book of Jeremiah. Our task is to actively search for genuine leaders whose hearts beat for nobody and nothing else but God and his people. Great leaders act with discernment, anchoring their lives in prayer and reflection. Authentic leaders pay attention to how God moves in their lives and respond to the world’s needs.
Leadership is more than a set of skills or a position of power; it is a disposition of the heart. As we look for leaders, let us seek those who, like Jesus, are moved by compassion and a deep commitment to serve and protect the flock. In our search for great leaders, let us remember that true leadership is characterized by discernment, prayer, and a genuine love for God and his people.
