Servant Leaders, Like Christ.

Kind of leadership we like vs the kind of leadership we need.

v 1-5 I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (*Bishop vs Shepherd* Strategos vs , episkopos )

· Peter knew what it was like to be a shepherd, and also to be led by the Chief Shepard (Matthew 20:25-28 – 1 Peter 5:2)

· Two-way street: The younger are to be subject to the elders. (lit. arranged under)

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,[a] 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,[b] 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

· He instructed for leaders to have a willing, tender, servant’s heart like Christ showed him.

(instructions for parents, children, wives, husbands, masters, servants, all apply. All a ‘leaders’ in some way.)

Parallel in Peter’s Life John 21:15-23

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” John 21:15-23

· Be an example in love, patience, endurance and not meddling. (both 2, 3 John 21:15-23) V 6-11

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

· Casting our anxieties on God means leaving our lives in His hands.

V 12-14

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

United In Purpose

(Silvanus was a companion of Paul on his missionary journeys, and likely helped Peter to compose this letter. Mark, was most likely John-Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark, which scholars believe to be based on Peter’s testimony. “she who is in Babylon” could refer to Phoebe the deaconess who delivered Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul himself, had perhaps already been martyred. In any case, the group of Christians surrounding Peter at the time of this book was united in purpose, an intimate family who were to greet each other as such. [v14] )

· We should follow the example of the First Believers who loved, supported and prayed for one another in trials and in ‘Exile.’ Challenge for the Week: Are you participating in or resisting the dominion of God? If you are humbly following after Christ, you are living out the will of God on earth. ( Micah 6:8)