Barnabas, Ananias, Jesus and Me [Video]

Forbidden to Preach [Video]

SHEEP, SHEPHERDS and the GOOD SHEPHERD (Part 2)

Image credit

Preached by David Kautt at

Community Christian Church, Durant, Oklahoma                            

Sunday morning, May 4, 2014

Matthew 9:35 – 38, “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.  But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Luke 22: 24 – 27, “Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.”

A greeting card arrived in my mailbox not long ago – that – to me – says it all when it comes to the subject of church leadership.  Allow me to read the card’s message to you now. It goes like this: As a church leader, I am to challenge God’s people - to SEE the WORLD with eyes of COMPASSION – to SERVE the NEEDY with hands of MERCY – and to LOVE the SAINTS with hearts of HUMILITY!

I AM - to see the world that way – with eyes of compassion – I AM – to serve the NEEDY that way – with hands of mercy – and, yes, I AM – to love the saints that way – with a heart of humility. Yes, I – AM!  But – as God intended for every leader – MY life – and the lives of every other church leader – every husband – every father – every family leader – MY life – OUR lives - and MY words – OUR words – are to CHALLENGE all of you – to INFLUENCE all of you – to see the world – to serve the needy – and to love the saints that way, too!

Last Lord’s Day, I opened up this Bible study time with THIS – rather provocative statement: Remember?  I said, “Today – we embark on one of the THE MOST IMPORTANT JOURNEYS we have ever taken as a congregation – the exciting journey down a path called the “ROAD TO CHURCH LEADERSHIP.”  What did you think about that statement?

Undoubtedly, as we travel along this road – there will be many twists and turns – some steep hills and some very deep valleys.  In fact, likely on this journey – we will come to quite a few crucial – crossroads – as we follow the leading of the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.  And, where it will all end up, only He knows.  But, one thing is for certain – and that is – that we MUST – we MUST walk this path.  We MUST travel this exciting, frightening road – TOGETHER – and with Jesus showing us the way – if we are to be all God intends for us to be as a church family.

Last time we were here to worship together, I suggested to you that – at a most critical time like this period of time is – what we need the most – is to regularly hear from Jesus.  As HIS sheep – in need of shepherds to do HIS work of keeping and leading His flock – we need to hear from HIM – we do.

Matthew chapters 9, 10 and 11 – this section of Scripture is one big place – one very important, Biblical place – where we DO hear from Jesus – the Chief Shepherd.  Matthew 9:35 – 38 – our primary starting point in this study – this exposition regarding sheep, shepherds and the Chief Shepherd – the Good Shepherd.  As we observed last time, this text – first of all – gives us a glimpse into the Good Shepherd’s HEART.  And, what IS Jesus’ HEART – what are His thoughts and feelings with respect to His sheep?  Remember?

Two things – two very basic – but – to me – very important insights into the HEART of the Good Shepherd.  What are they?

Number one – the Good Shepherd – Jesus – the Chief Shepherd – is AWARE of the sheep and AWARE of the NEEDS OF the sheep!

Nothing complicated here, is there?  Nothing tremendously deep or difficult to comprehend here, right?  But, listen – as we search the Scriptures – and as we look out across this group of men and their wives and families – for those who might eventually lead us – praying over this process all the way through – what kind of leaders – what kind of shepherds – is God desirous of raising up for us here?  You remember it, don’t you?  Wrote it down last week, didn’t you?

God’s desire is to raise up GOOD Shepherds – godly men – like Jesus – who are AWARE of the sheep – and AWARE of the NEEDS of the sheep – men whose eyes are open – yes – and also connected – directly linked to right here – [point at my heart] – their heart!

Secondly, again rehearsing what we pointed out last time – Jesus’ eyes – they not only SAW the multitudes – that the sheep – were weary and scattered – helpless and harassed – SHEPHERD-LESS – sheep.  More importantly, WHAT Jesus saw – MOVED HIM – toward tender compassion FOR the sheep – moved Him to DO something to HELP the sheep.

Once again – what does THAT have to do with our predicament?

It’s simple, isn’t it?  We need shepherds like that, don’t we?  We need godly men – joined and supported by their wives and families – to take the lead in TENDERLY CARING for the sheep – to be concerned for the sheep – yes – but not just CONCERNED – but COMMITTED ENOUGH to DO what is needful to HELP the sheep!

To put it succinctly, we need – we are PRAYING – aren’t we – that God will raise up for us GOOD shepherds – with EYES like Jesus’ eyes – HEARTS like Jesus’ heart – and – perhaps most of all – with HANDS – helpful, generous hands – like JESUS’ hands!

That’s what we need – and – interestingly – according to Matthew 9:35 – 38 – that’s what God’s sheep in Jesus’ day needed as well.  So, what does the Chief Shepherd do?

Well, though – not limited in POWER – in ability – per se – you know – Jesus COULD HAVE pronounced ALL the sick – WELL – all the hurting – HEALED – all the oppressed – DELIVERED – all at once!  But – think of it.  That would have been more the work of a MIRACLE worker or maybe a KING. But, like we read earlier in Luke 22 – Jesus was not in the midst of the helpless and hurting flock – to sort of – hold out His SCEPTER to them – ‘Be Healed!’  Rather, He entered the pastures – went to where the sheep were – why?  To TOUCH them – (and, at times, even to be touched BY them).  Yes, Jesus – could have waved the wand – stretched out the scepter – and said to all of them – ‘Be healed’.  But He did not come to be like a KING – but like a SHEPHERD.  He was in the midst of the flock – like a servant/shepherd – in order to minister to each sheep – PERSONALLY – even individually!

But, here’s the thing – even though He was fully God – God the Son, in fact – Jesus – the Chief Shepherd – at this point in time – was also fully man – fully man – and therefore, bound – to some degree – by the limitations of time and space.  To put it simply – THIS Shepherd – the Lord Jesus – needed some Assistant Shepherds – to join Him in the work.

So, what does He do?  Matthew 9:37 – He not only SPEAKS to His disciples about the NEED – the Leadership Crisis, if you will – “The harvest is PLENTIFUL, but the laborers are few…” - He not only URGES His disciples to petition the Lord of the harvest fields – Matthew 9:38.  But, Jesus – the Chief Shepherd – takes the next logical step – a step necessary for THERE and THEN – and, yes – a step that I believe also points the way for us – HERE and NOW!

What step are we talking about?  Matthew 10:1 – 4 – Matthew 10:1 – 4:  You can read it – now – up on the screen – Jesus, the Good Shepherd – the Wise Shepherd – takes the next, strategically-important step.  He calls prospective assistant shepherds to DO what HE was doing.  He calls His men – His chosen 12 – to SEE the sheep – to see the NEEDS of the sheep – and, then what?  To ENTER THE PASTURE – with Him – to HELP the sheep!

Dr. Lynn Anderson has written a timely book about sheep and shepherding.  The title is kind of eye-opening.  This important book is simply entitled, THEY SMELL LIKE SHEEP!

Flock of God – that title kind of lays it out on the table, doesn’t it?  Men of God – prospective shepherds – that Book title – They SMELL Like Sheep – kind of pulls back the curtain about this task of shepherding, doesn’t it, and in doing so – it also removes whatever thoughts of glitz and glamor we might have had about it!

THEY SMELL LIKE SHEEP – And Jesus, the Good Shepherd – who has known this fact about sheep all along – What does He do?  He invites godly men – men whom God is MAKING into godly men – into the pasture with Him anyway!  He does!

So, how are we to respond?

Well, to be honest with you – one of the things that every assistant shepherd – yes – even THIS assistant shepherd – your preacher – wonders about – right up front – BEFORE he enters the pasture to work with those SMELLY sheep – is what?  How much is my salary?  What’s my PAY for serving as an assistant to the Chief Shepherd?

John 4 – John chapter 4, verses 36 – 38 – we glanced over it last time – but – now, let’s take a moment to examine it for an answer to our ‘salary of the shepherd’ question, shall we?  Prospective assistant shepherds, what IS your pay for caring for the sheep alongside Jesus? Read it with me, will you? 

John 4:36 – 38, “And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

Jesus – the Good Shepherd – using here the metaphor of a farmer and his harvesting crew – Jesus informs us that those who choose to shepherd His sheep – in His behalf – YOUR PAY – your PRIVILEGE – is that you get to enter into HIS labors AND you to get to SHARE His JOY at the outcome of the harvest!

Speaking to his fellow elders – the apostle Peter had this to say about the assistant shepherd’s “PAY” – his everlasting REWARD.  1 Peter 5:4 – Peter writes, “When the Chief Shepherd appears – you shall receive the crown of glory that never, ever fades away!”

Flock of God – you know what we need now, don’t you?  Men of God – prospective shepherds – you know what God intends for you to be, don’t you?

He is calling you – inviting you – yes, I believe – MOVING MIGHTILY upon you – to lead you to be the kind of shepherd JESUS is – One who is motivated NOT by the LOVE OF MONEY – but motivated by the LOVE OF GOD – and the LOVE of those GOD loves – His sheep – in view of the REWARD – an unfading, and eternally-glorious crown – that He intends to GIVE to those who will faithfully serve Him in this way!

THEY SMELL LIKE SHEEP!  Don’t you just love that book title?  They SMELL – like sheep!  I mean, what ELSE would we expect them to smell like, right?

Beloved, there’s yet a fourth thing Jesus sets out in this TENTH chapter of Matthew that we need to notice as we progress down this path towards church leadership.  What is it?  In this important TENTH chapter of Matthew, Jesus instructs prospective assistant shepherds about SHEEP – about SHEPHERDING – and yes, about WOLVES.

Let’s walk down through here and catch the high points of Jesus’ teaching – as it connects to our situation, shall we?

First off, notice with me what Jesus tells us about the sheep.  Matthew 10:8 – Oh, they are SMELLY, alright!  Remember, THEY – ARE – SHEEP!  Their lives are marked by sickness – affliction – distress – and, yes – even by oppression.  I mean, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual – this is the condition of the average, run-of-the-mill sheep!  It is!  And, why is that?  Simply, because they are PEOPLE – affected BY sinners – and – infected WITH sinful tendencies.  Furthermore, as verse 6 makes clear – some of them – some of them – are LOST!  Yes, I said, LOST.  I mean, whether they realize it or want to admit it or not – some of the sheep are LOST!

So, what?  I mean, why does a prospective shepherd need to know all of this?

Because – as a GOOD Shepherd – one of the Chief Shepherd’s ASSISTANT shepherds – you are there – in the pasture – with the flock – to apply the healing ointment of the Good Shepherd’s saving stripes – to their wounds – to their brokenness.  You are there – are to BE there – because these sweaty, smelly sheep – belong to God – because the Good Shepherd laid down His life for them! Yes, you are there – in the middle of the pasture and in the midst of the flock – because God CALLED YOU to be there – for them – because of Him!

Then, there’s what Jesus has to say here in Matthew 10 about shepherding –

Perhaps, the single passage in this chapter that summarizes all of what Jesus wants us know about shepherding is Matthew 10:7 and 8.  Read it together with me, will you?  Jesus says, “As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.  FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED; FREELY GIVE.”

Shepherding – certainly there are more specifics to be found in a number of other passages elsewhere – but listen – Jesus’ summary – in verse 8 – “Freely you have received – freely give” says it all, doesn’t it?

As shepherds, we are to go – to the pasture – and yes, even to the highways and hedges – to where the sheep are – to find them – and to help them.  We are to GO!  Why?  Because Jesus CAME!  Because He CAME!

And, we are to preach and teach and testify – to them – to the sheep.  Why?  Because we have HEARD!  Because the Living Word has spoken – to us!  And, then – think of it – we are to give – FREELY – GENEROUSLY – out of love.  Why? Remember John 3:16?  Because He LOVED – because HE gave!

Matthew 10:8 – “Freely you have received – freely give!” – that verse is what shepherding is all about!

One more thing – from Matthew 10 – for us to consider.  Flock of God – prospective shepherds – take note with me what Jesus has to say about WOLVES!

A couple of Sundays ago I mentioned in passing a simple fact that – whether the sheep are aware of it or not – EVERY GOOD SHEPHERD must know – and take seriously – and that fact is this:  WHERE THERE ARE SHEEP – THERE WILL BE WOLVES!  So, what’s a shepherd – prospective or active – to keep in mind – in light of this?

Sheep – shepherd-less sheep – straying, I WILL TAKE CARE OF MYSELF-minded sheep – are DEFENSELESS – helpless prey – against wolves!  They are!  Guess what?  That’s why Jesus called the 12 to Himself – and gave them the authority and the instructions that He gave them.

You know something else?  The reason why we have also entered into this leadership training and ordaining process – is because SHEPHERD-less sheep – is not only against God’s will – it is out and out dangerous for the flock.

So, men of God – prospective shepherds – what do YOU need to know about wolves – before you enter the pasture to face them?  Jot down this verse – Acts 20:28 – as an overarching – basic principle – kind of verse regarding this subject.  Speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus – the apostle Paul sternly warns shepherds like this:  “Take heed – be on guard – take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers – in order that you may shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”  Because there always will be wolves – wherever there are sheep – shepherds must ALWAYS – always – be on the alert!

But, what if – what if the wolves try to attack the flock?  What, then?

Matthew 10:16 – 33 – Know this – their intent – the goal of every pack of wolves – is to betray you – try to intimidate you and silence you – and perhaps, even to kill you.  Why?  Because they hate the Good Shepherd and any one working with and for the Good Shepherd!  That’s the truth – plain and simple and maybe a little hard to swallow.

So, how are you to deal with them?  Matthew 10:16 – you are to deal with them WISELY – BLAMELESSLY – and certainly, COURAGEOUSLY.  But, listen – listen to Jesus – the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep:  Matthew 10:28 – 33 – NEVER, EVER be afraid of the wolves!  Never!  Why?  Because – as Jesus says – even IF they KILL you – even IF they END THE LIFE OF YOUR BODY – listen!  They CANNOT – wolves CANNOT kill your soul!  No!  FEAR GOD – fear God – and, in the face of ravenous wolves – never, ever fail to STAND UP to boldly confess Jesus Christ as YOUR Chief Shepherd!  Never! 

Leadership Training 101 - Prof. Mark Berrier - Class #1 - 4-27-2014

SHEEP, SHEPHERDS and the GOOD SHEPHERD (Part 1)

Image credit

Preached by David Kautt at

Community Christian Church, Durant, Oklahoma                        

Sunday morning, April 27, 2014

Matthew 9:35 – 38, “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.  But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

John 10:7 – 15, “Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

Today is one of the more important days in recent years in the life of this church family – and maybe not for the reasons that you might be thinking.  Certainly, there have been many important days for this congregation over its 10-year history.  For example, November 2003 – the first Lord’s Day the group that would come to be known as Community Christian Church – met together at Brown’s Funeral Home.  Then, there’s June 2005 – ground breaking Day for what would quickly become this beautiful facility – a hub for worship fellowship and instruction and a strategic launching pad for missions and ministry in Durant and literally, around the globe.  Or, how about December 2005 – just before Christmas that particular year.  That month marked another important day in this church’s history – for the first time, this building’s doors were OPEN for those who love Jesus – and for those who need Jesus’ love – to enter – to pray, to sing, to grow and to witness.

One other important day in Community Christian’s history I would like to list at this time – is one that took place just 9 short months ago.  It was the day when a beloved friend and preacher and his wife – our brother and sister – Jim and Joni Bliffen – handed the baton of leadership into my hands – into the hands of my wife and me – and we began our work with you here.  All of those days – and – really – every other day since day ONE in November 2003 – have been important days in this church’s life.  But, listen - this day – because of what we are about to embark on – today – to me it is one of the most important – ever – for Community Christian Church.

I say that because – like all those other days – this day – I believe has and will have significance not only for today – for this period of time – but also for tomorrow – for the future – yes, perhaps even for decades to come.

Surely, by now you have an inkling about what it is that is in my mind – that makes this day so special.  But, in case you don’t allow me to spell it out for you.  Today, Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. – we will formally begin the process of preparing and eventually putting forth the men – who – along with their wives and families – will serve as our leaders – our elders – our spiritual shepherds.

But, listen – you know, don’t you?  That some of those who begin the process today, will not go all the way with it.  They may sense it’s not their time yet – they may come to grips with the weight of the calling and responsibility of  leadership and discover that they are not ready for it yet – they may even say, “You know – this IS the direction I would like God to take me – what I WANT to be – but, for now, I think I need to still be a learner!”

Yes, some of the men may respond in ways like that – and that’s O.K. - and others – the young men and young men-in-the-making will BEGIN this process with us today – knowing that because of their youthfulness and lack of life experience – their day to lead is still down the road a ways.  And you know something?  We all understand that, don’t we?  Or, at least, we should!  But, listen – I really believe that – in answer to a  lot of prayers – by a lot of people – at the end of this several months-long process – there will be SOME men and their wives and families who will step up to the plate – and say, “I will!  I will serve.  I will follow Jesus - and ask others to follow me!  I will – empowered by the Spirit of God – I will set my hands to the task of church leadership in this congregation.”

Yes, today is – in my view – one of THE most important days in the 10 years of this church.  And, to say the least, I am excited – anxious – fearful and in great anticipation – all rolled up into one package!  Perhaps, you are, too!  So, since we are – I believe it’s just as important we hear from Jesus – that we go from this place in a little while – with the words of the GOOD Shepherd – the CHIEF Shepherd – the Lord Jesus – ringing in our ears and reverberating in our minds – as we embark on this exciting journey together.

Matthew chapters 9, 10 and 11 – I have entitled this message an EXPOSITION REGARDING SHEEP, SHEPHERDS AND THE CHIEF SHEPHERD.  Would you join me as we traverse up and down and around in those three chapters, please?

First of all, Matthew 9:35 – 38 – what an amazing passage this is – as it opens up a window for us into the Chief Shepherd’s heart – into Jesus’ heart.

I know I am not a Medical Doctor – and I am certainly no expert on human anatomy and design – but listen – do you know what I noticed right off the bat – here in this section of our text?  Mark it down, future shepherds – come to grips with it, flock of God.  There is a direct connection – a direct link between a person’s EYES – what he or she SEES – pays attention to – focuses on – and his or her heart.  The text puts it this way – verses 35 and 36 – “Then Jesus . . . “

Matthew 9:35 – 36, “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.  But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

There’s a direct link between Jesus’ eyes – the Good Shepherd’s eyesight – and the response of His heart!  Write it down this way, will you?  Number One – the Good Shepherd – the Chief Shepherd – is AWARE of the sheep and of their needs!

The text says that Jesus SAW the multitudes – yes!  But, it also tells us WHAT He saw – what His eyes detected about those people – those sheep – that they were weary – troubled bothered – harassed – and that they were scattered – and therefore – vulnerable – in danger – uncared for and unprotected!

One day, Jesus made a trip through – of all places – Samaria – no man’s land for every good Jew – and he ended up at the ancient well of Jacob, the patriarch of Israel – a well that Jacob had dug and used long before.  And, what happened?  Tired and thirsty, Jesus asked for a drink of a Samaritan woman who had come to the well to fill up her own water pots.

Well, as often was the case, when Jesus was involved, a conversation ensued – about water – yes – but also about living water – about the Giver of that good gift – and about this woman’s sinful past and present.  You remember the story – but do you remember this part?

Jesus’ disciples had left Jesus at the well to go into the village to buy some food.  When they returned to Jesus – the woman has left to go back into town herself – then, what?  Pick up the account in John 4:28 and let’s read down through verse 35: 

John 4:28 – 35, “The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” Then they went out of the city and came to Him.  In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”  But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”  Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?”  Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.  Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!

Prospective shepherds – take note right here with me, will you?  And you, too, flock of God – Jesus’ disciples – who were themselves in a process of spiritual leadership training – at this point in their process – their eyes are more attuned to FOOD – to meeting their OWN NEEDS.  But, Jesus – the Good Shepherd – says to His understudies – “Look, fellows, look!  We’re not FOUR months AWAY from harvest time!  No!  Lift up YOUR eyes – yes – yours – and take note of the fields – they are ripe – almost OVER ripe – and ready to be reaped!”

What did we say earlier?  There is a direct link between one’s EYES – A shepherd’s eyes – and a shepherd’s heart!  The apostle John put it like this in 1 John 3:16 – 17, “By this we know love – because Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.  And we also ought to lay down our lives for our brothers…”  What a great verse that is, right?  But, then notice what it goes on to say:  “But whoever has this world’s good and SEES his brother in need – and SHUTS UP his HEART from him – how does the love of God abide in him?”

Once again – write it down – prospective shepherds – write it down – flock of God – like the Chief Shepherd – the Lord Jesus Christ – GOOD Shepherds are AWARE of the Sheep – their eyes are open to them – AND – AND – they are aware of the NEEDS  of the sheep!  In other words, like Jesus – a GOOD Shepherd knows – strives to know – does what he can to find out so he will know – the sheep and the needs of the sheep!

But, listen – KNOWING the sheep – first name – last name – shoe size – favorite food – and even knowing the NEEDS of the sheep – isn’t enough – it doesn’t go far enough with the role and responsibility of shepherding, does it?  Does it?

No!  That’s why we also need to be aware of yet another truth about sheep and shepherding – that Jesus illustrates for us here in Matthew 9 – and what is that truth?

Well, mark this one down also, will you?  Mark it down – Jesus – the Chief Shepherd – the GOOD Shepherd – one of the things about Him that makes us call Him GOOD is that He is not just AWARE of the sheep and their needs, but that He also is tenderly concerned for them and what they need!  Matthew 9:36 – circle the phrase – this awesome description of Jesus, OUR Good Shepherd – Matthew 9:36 – the text says that Jesus – having SEEN the sheep – the multitudes – and that they were weary and scattered – circle it there – it says that ‘HE WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION FOR THEM!”

It’s the very same phrase used to describe Jesus’ tender concern for the desperate widow of

Nain – who had just lost her one and only son – Luke 7:13.  It’s the very same word used to depict Jesus and His heart for the hungry multitudes in Matthew 15:32.  It’s the very same phrase found numerous times in the gospels – describing the GOOD Shepherd – the Tender CHIEF Shepherd.  But listen –

Here’s the deal, fellows – you prospective shepherds – and here’s the deal – flock of God – the words, “Moved with compassion” – EYES that have SEEN the need and the NEED–Y – prompt a deep, moving response in the heart – or, at least THEY SHOULD – “moved with compassion” – those words are found in Luke 10 in reference to the Good Samaritan – seeing the beaten and battered man – laying as he was – beside the road – half dead – he was MOVED with compassion to the point that he LIVED OUT what it means to LOVE one’s neighbor!

Same thing is found in Luke 15 – another parable of Jesus – the one we call the Prodigal Son story – you remember.  The father – the father – who for days, months, maybe even years – had looked for – waited for – longed for his son who had left home in order to live it up – finally – one day – he saw him.  Yes – it’s him!  My son!  He’s not dead; he’s alive!  He’s not lost; he’s found!  Moved – as his heart was – by the sight of his long lost son – he ran to embrace him and welcome him home!

“HE WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION” – that’s such an important phrase because of what it shows us about our Good Shepherd – the Chief Shepherd – the Lord Jesus Christ.  But listen – listen.  Not every shepherd or prospective shepherd HAS such a tender heart – displays such a compassion for the sheep!  Big deal?  It is a Big deal!  How do I know?  For one thing, I know it from my own experience – I do.  Some of those who should have been MY tender shepherds weren’t!  And it hurt!  Believe me, it hurt!

But – I also know this in another way – from this Book.  You see, the very parable we spoke of earlier – the Good Samaritan story – why isn’t it called the parable of the Good PRIEST?  Why isn’t it called the Parable of the Good LEVITE?  You know, don’t you?  Because that priest and that Levite – though these religious leaders – these spiritual shepherds – SAW one of their sheep lying bruised and bloody – over in the ditch – their HEARTS were not moved!  Their compassion and tenderness doorway was locked up tight!

Same thing is true of the OLDER brother in the prodigal son parable!  And, yes – according to 1 John 3:17 – the same thing can be true of you and me!  So much so that John would warn us with this question:  “How can you really love GOD – if your heart is not also tender enough to meet the needs of your brother?”

Write it down with me, will you – and with this we will close:  Truth number two about sheep and shepherding – illustrated for us so beautifully by Jesus in Matthew 9:36 – what is it?

Like the GOOD Shepherd – the CHIEF Shepherd – the Lord Jesus Christ – listen – prospective shepherds – listen – flock of God – like the GOOD Shepherd – like Jesus – the Chief Shepherd – GOOD SHEPHERDS are not only AWARE of the sheep and of their needs – they also are TENDERLY CONCERNED FOR THEM – concerned enough – in fact – to help the sheep in their time of need!

We’re going to look at this subject and this passage some more – next time – but for now – allow me to give just one assignment to each of you:  Here goes –

After lunch – and before you come back at 4:30 p.m. for the training class – read 1 Peter 5:1 – 4  - - 1 Peter 5:1 – 4 and Acts 20:17 – 38 - - Acts 20:17 – 38 and then pray – pray that the Lord will raise up shepherds – GOOD SHEPHERDS – WITH EYES LIKE JESUS’ EYES – and with a heart like Jesus heart – to serve – to lead – and to set  their hands to this huge task – trusting always in God’s Spirit of wisdom to guide them and to empower them.  Will you do that, please?  Thank you.

The Biblical Leadership Ladder

Preached at Community Christian Church

David P. Kautt

Sunday Morning, September 29, 2013

Acts 1:15-26, “And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, ¹⁶ “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; ¹⁷ for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

¹⁸ (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. ¹⁹ And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)

²⁰ “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

‘Let his dwelling place be desolate,
And let no one live in it’;

and,

‘Let another take his office.’

²¹ “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ²² beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

²³ And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. ²⁴ And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen ²⁵ to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” ²⁶ And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

One of the subjects that has become increasingly dear to my heart is the subject of leadership.  As a man, a husband of more than thirty years, a father of several grown children, and certainly as a minister; indeed, leadership SHOULD BE all important to me!  In fact, I can’t think of a subject having more practical importance for marriages, family relationships and for the church than the subject of leadership. 

Interestingly, in our flow of church events, we are nearing that time when leaders are to be nominated, evaluated and elected.  Beloved, this is a strategic moment in the life of Community Christian Church.  Interestingly, at this strategic moment, we also come to our study of this passage, a text that has to do with leadership selection.

I know that we have walked up and down this portion of Scripture a couple of times already.  And, hopefully, by now, a few of those 5 or 6 ‘sticky notes’ have stuck!  The Eleven Waiting, the Believer’s Praying, the Brethren Meeting, the Apostles’ Defining, and the Betrayer’s Sinning.  You remember then, don’t you?  Those 5 or 6 three-word phrases kind of summarize much of what this text has to show us and teach us.  However, perhaps the biggest lesson or lessons to be derived from this passage are the ones I want us to grasp today: the lessons that have to do with the subject of leadership. 

Before I move along with you on this trek up the leadership ladder, allow me to give you one, simple, one-word definition of the word ‘Leadership’.  Leadership: what is it?  Well, in a word, leadership is INFLUENCE.  Leadership, whether it be godly or ungodly, Biblical or un-Biblical, righteous or unrighteous, those who are the leaders are the ones who have the influence.  Not necessarily the ones in the POSITION of influence, the OFFICE holders, if you will.  But, the ones whose words and viewpoints hold sway.  They are the LEADERS. 

Now, saying all of that makes me think, first, of Judas, Jesus’ betrayer.  More than one passage in the New Testament, including this one here, lists him among the ‘Office Holders,’ among the hand-picked followers of Jesus, the 12 Disciples, the ones who were in training to be the human leaders of Jesus’ church – the 12 apostles!  And, one passage, I believe it’s John 12:4-6, indicates that Judas also was entrusted with the ‘Bank Bag’.  We might say he was the ‘Church Treasurer’.  He was in a position of influence. 

Question: Did Judas use that position to influence?  And, next question: In what WAY did he use that position.  Or, we might say, how, in what direction, did he exercise his influence?  Think both of those questions over for a minute, while I prepare to point you to the text.  Acts 1:16-17 – Look again at what the text says about this man, this office holder, this person, Judas Iscariot, who, at least, SAT in a position of influence.  Verse 17 – Peter, speaking to the rest of the group of about 120, reminds them that Judas was “numbered with us,” that is, he was counted among that select group of 12 whom Jesus called to follow Him.  And, Peter also points out that the lot to take part in the Apostolic ministry fell to Judas as well. 

But, let me ask you: How many of you would want to have Judas as one of your elders?  How many of you would want Jesus’ betrayer to have charge of CCC’s money bag or to be overseeing the monthly board meetings? 

You see, Judas was a leader, alright!  But, take a look at how he used that leadership influence.  Verse 16 – The verse says that he “became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.”  Literally, the text indicates that Judas was their LEADER!  He was the LEADER of the posse sent to Gethsemane to seize Jesus and take Him away to the Chief Priest, the Scribes and the Pharisees. 

Beloved, do you see it?  Leaders influence.  The question is, in what way, toward what direction, do they influence?  Speaking of direction, take a look at verses 24 and 25 with me for a moment, and note how it spells out the OUTCOME of Judas’ leadership, or, we might say, the PLACE in which Judas’ leadership decisions and direction ended up! 

Acts 1:25 – The text tells us that Judas went to his own place, a place at which he never would have arrived had he not TURNED AWAY from what Jesus had intended for him.  By transgression, by turning away from the will and ways of God, Judas fell! 

Now, what are we to make of this?  Certainly, there are a lot of things we could make of all of this.  But, if I may, I’d like to boil it down to just one thing: when it comes to leadership and to the INFLUENCE that leaders exert in our homes and in God’s Church, do we want – does God want – just anybody to serve as leaders?  Or, does God have His sights set higher than that?  And, should we have our sights set higher, too? 

I ran across an interesting and powerful statement regarding leadership that I just have to stick in right here.  Listen, here’s the statement: If we, as God’s people, truly are taking God’s Word as our final authority, then we must pursue a BIBLICAL leadership, of home and church (and nation), and not just a leadership, not just any leadership!

Today our focus is primarily on church leadership, for sure.  But, as we move forward into the last half of this study, be thinking of how what I’m going to show you relates also to the home, and even to the nation. 

A BILICAL LEADERSHIP – what does our text (and the rest of Scripture) have to say are the FEATURES of a Biblical Leadership?  Well, let’s walk up the Biblical Leadership Ladder, one step at a time.  Step one, the bottom run of this Biblical Leadership Ladder, but an essential rung, an important run, nonetheless!  Acts 1:13, 21, 23 & 26 – A group of verses that, at least at first glance indicate what about Biblical leadership?  God means for it to be MALE leadership.  Now, fellows, before you start jumping up and down and cheering, allow me to remind you of one very crucial fact.  When it comes to Biblical leadership, JESUS is our ultimate example!  The Master who stooped to wash His servants’ feet, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep, the Bride Groom who LOVED His Bride and gave Himself up for His Bride!  Listen, fellows, when it comes to Biblical leadership, the emphasis is not on PRIVILEGES, but on sacrifice!  And, ladies, in case you’re wondering where all of this leaves you: let me tell you, as a husband and a father, I’m glad, and yes, I’m humbled that God gave me a help-meet, and that I NEED a help meet! 

1 Corinthians 11:3-12, 1 Timothy 2:8-15, and other passages underscore the importance of this first run of the Biblical Leadership Ladder, as they point out how male leadership has to do with God’s creation design, not man’s sinful heart.  And, how that that leadership must be exercised by men in keeping with Christ’s example of unselfish, sacrificial love! 

Certainly, there is more to unpack and explain related to this first rung of the leadership ladder, but, we must press on to rung numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5.  Biblical Leadership, it is, first of all, meant to be MALE leadership. But, then it also is meant to be SHARED leadership.  Despite what some groups believe and teach, Jesus did not state that He would build His Church on ONE man, Peter, but on the fact that He, Jesus, is the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16-19).  Nevertheless, Jesus did intend to use men, not a man, but a group of men, 12 to be exact, to be His instruments in the task of building His Church!  And their names are all given to us here in this chapter.  So, what is the point?  The point is that, in the Church, and really, in the home and nation, also, Biblical leadership is not meant to be concentrated in the hands of just ONE leader, a Senior Minister, a Ruling Elder, but in the hands of a plurality of leaders!

1 Timothy 5:17-20, “ Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. ²⁰ Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.”

I’m not going to read the entire passage, because the main point of it is not the main point I am making here.  However, be sure and notice that Paul’s instructions to Timothy here have to do, NOT with the treatment of ONE leader – THE elder – but with the treatment of a group of leaders – the ELDERS – plural!  1 Peter 5:1-4 highlights the same thing, that being that, in the Church, the Biblical pattern for leadership is that it is to be SHARED by a group of men. 

Next run, when it comes to the Biblical Leadership Ladder.  The third rung on the ladder has these words written on it: PASTORAL leadership! 

1 Peter 5:1-3, “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: ² Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; ³ nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

Now, the word ‘pastoral’ is a word that some might not fully understand.  If I may, I’ll explain it this way: Biblical Leaders, in particular, those whose role is that of elder, have as their primary FUNCTION the task of SHEPHERDING the flock!  Like a shepherd, a good shepherd leads, protects, feeds and even binds up the wounds of his sheep, so also the Biblical Elder’s function, his task in that position, is to be SHEEP-focused, not barn-focused!  He is to be attuned to, and is to attend to, the needs of the sheep!  His leadership, like that of Jesus, is to be PASTORAL leadership! 

This takes us, then, to rung #4 on the Leadership Ladder, the rung I call, ‘SERVANT leadership’.  Before we explain what we mean by that label, let me just ask you: do those two words, servant-leadership, taken together, seem to be a contradiction? 

Servant leadership.  Those two words, taken together, sure they do seem to be contradictory!  Until, unless you understand the nature of the incarnation, God the Son, Jesus Christ.  He was in very nature God, yet, He did not consider being equal with God, that position, as something to cling to, to refuse to lay aside.  Instead, He emptied Himself, put aside His heavenly majesty and glory, to do what?  To become a man, to swim in the sewer with sinful men and women like you and me.  The King of kings, He humbled Himself and became a servant, and, then, a SACRIFICE, that we might be saved, that we might reign with Him!  In the words of the apostle John, the Master took a towel, a pitcher and a basin, and He washed His servants’ feet!  Why?  To set an example – John 13:13-15.  To show us what Biblical leadership is all about: not selling out for 30 pieces of silver, but kneeling down to serve, to love, to give!  Biblical leadership, it’s not symbolized by a signet ring and a scepter!  No!  Rather, it’s symbolized and carried out through the use of pitcher, basin and towel!  That’s because Biblical Leadership is SERVANT leadership. 

The ladder of Biblical leadership:

            Rung #1 – Male leadership

Rung #2 – Shared leadership

Rung #3 – Pastoral Leadership

Rung #4 – Servant Leadership

Then, last of all, please understand that just as the selection of one man to take Jesus’ place involved the application of certain standards with respect to prospective candidates, so also Biblical leadership requires the application of certain qualifications with respect to prospective candidates.  In other words, Biblical Leadership is not only male, shared, pastoral and servant leadership, it is also QUALIFIED leadership!  Qualified leadership.  So, let me ask you: when it comes to the places in the Bible where the subject of leadership qualifications is discussed, do you know where to go to find those passages? 

With the leadership selection process just around the corner, allow me to point you to just 3 passages: 1 Timothy 1:1-13, Titus 1:5-16 and 1 Peter 5:17.  Make a note to be reading and studying and praying over these passages.  Why?  Well, certainly not just because I said so!  Rather, do so because what we need, what God desires for His Church, is not just LEADERSHIP, but Biblically qualified leadership!  And, why is that?  Let’s sum it up, shall we? 

Because as the leaders go, so go the followers.  As the shepherds go, so go the sheep!