Unless you recently resolved not to look at any news feeds or to go on social media at all, you would be aware that the question of leadership has been on just about everyone’s lips. A pleasant social gathering of good friends that I attended about a week ago was nearly spoilt when the conversation turned to the American Presidential Race; in fact, the afternoon was only saved because the host said, “No, we’re not discussing that today – moving on!”
With that backdrop in mind, have a look at this verse about Jesus. “As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.”
The planned break with the disciples in a deserted place is disrupted. The needs of the people are too great at this point. Of course, later Jesus will get his break and a much-needed time of prayer; as we know all too well, quietness and meditation are the key to effective work. Jesus’ meditative prayer was crucial to his ministry.
However, in this moment, Jesus recognises what the people are searching for: a true shepherd who will lead them with compassion and grace.
In Mark’s Gospel the leadership of Jesus is contrasted starkly with that of Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, king only courtesy of the Romans: a ruler with limited power. The passage in Mark’s Gospel immediately before this one is the story of the death of John the Baptist. Herod throws a banquet for his birthday and is so taken with the dancing of his stepdaughter, named Salome by the Jewish historian Josephus, that Herod promises her whatever she would like. Spurred on by her mother, she requests the head of John the Baptiser. Herod duly orders John’s death. In his Gospel, Mark places this passage about Jesus’ leadership immediately after the story of John’s beheading. The contrast with King Herod could hardly be starker.
Jesus’ model of leadership is worth reflecting on for a moment, particularly given the significant leadership roles we all enjoy in this place in guiding the students in our care. What we say and what we do have a lasting influence. Sometimes the smallest of compassionate gestures has a surprisingly powerful impact.
In contrast to the self-serving Herod, Jesus shows grace and compassion, selflessly caring for the crowds, not seeking glory or power, but rather displaying the virtues which other cultures also value: wisdom, humility, compassion, gentleness, love – and linked with courage, but not the kind of courage displayed by Kind Herod.
As I like to remind the boys, Jesus’ style of compassionate leadership also contrasts that of the ever-present Roman Empire. I’ve obviously been researching the Roman Empire a bit recently, because now on my social feed there are frequent links to articles about various battles involving the Roman Empire.
Today’s brief passage, set in the context of other passages about Jesus’ leadership and ministry, show how his identity as the true leader of Israel is unfolding among his people and beyond.
The Reverend Dr Theo McCall
School Chaplain