This Is Not Christian Leadership

(In fact, there may not be any such thing.)

Jesus told the disciples to get in the boat. (He himself wanted/needed more alone time.)

Note: The place where Jesus told the disciples to be was in the boat (to go across the lake.)

Jesus told the disciples (including Peter) to not be afraid.

It was Peter’s idea to leave the boat and walk on water (not Jesus’).

Jesus played along.

Peter sank.

Peter didn’t “lose faith” only when he saw the waves. He lost faith while he was still in the boat and didn’t believe it was Jesus.

Only an individualized theology would glorify Peter stepping out of the boat to do something cool.

We all want a “courageous” leader.

Matthew 14:22-36

Right then, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowds. When he sent them away, he went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. Evening came and he was alone. Meanwhile, the boat, fighting a strong headwind, was being battered by the waves and was already far away from land. Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” They were so frightened they screamed.

Just then Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter replied, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.”

And Jesus said, “Come.”

Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!”

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” When they got into the boat, the wind settled down.

Then those in the boat worshipped Jesus and said, “You must be God’s Son!”

When they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people who lived in that place recognized him, they sent word throughout that whole region, and they brought to him everyone who was sick. Then they begged him that they might just touch the edge of his clothes. Everyone who touched him was cured.

Prayer

God,

I’ve been thinking a lot about leadership. Seems like much of the world does, too. We really like leaders. Like, a lot. Despite how often they fail, we love ‘em. Give me a good leader I can pretend is second to Jesus and I’ll follow him/her blindly. It’s such a phenomenon of humanity.

“Give us a king!” - Israel, but also ‘Merica

So help us, God: Help us to see you as our leader. I really am not trying to sound cliché-y. I’m just tired of us all looking for something in human leaders that is not there. And help me remember that the exemplary of my faith - Jesus - was hardly a leader like we would want. Help me see him in his humility and willingness to die. And then help me to remember his refusal of vengeance even after his failure was vanquished.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.