Not Your Typical Leader

 

I came across an author who made an interesting contrast between who Christ was as opposed to how others thought He would be.

“A Roman leader would have ridden in a chariot pulled by magnificent white stallions--Jesus entered the city on a donkey, and a borrowed one!

A political leader would have been surrounded by security guards who would have kept crowds from close physical contact to prevent any personal harm to him--Jesus was surrounded by his disciples representing many walks of life and rode into the midst of the people, almost at their height.

A military leader would have galloped along the road, passing the crowds with perhaps a wave of the hand or a nod of the head if there were any recognition at all--Jesus on a donkey moved slowly with the people, accompanying the people, as well as accompanied by the people.

A religious leader in traditional, appropriate priestly robes would have moved sedately through the crowds surrounded by an orderly contingency of other religious leaders who would've prevented anyone who was unclean from touching him--Jesus, dressed in his usual attire, moved humbly through the crowds, surrounded by his diverse band of disciples, not shrinking from the touch of anyone.”

(Ruth Daugherty, Issues Of Leadership Into The 21st Century, Viewpoint, Summer 1991, p. 2).

Jesus certainly was not the expected or stereotypical leader.  Jesus spent His entire ministry telling His disciples and convincing others that He was not going to be the earthly leader they wanted.  Jesus wasn’t the typical leader, and as a result, neither was His kingdom.  In John 18:38, Jesus said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.  If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”

Jesus certainly didn’t fill the expected mold of a king in most people’s eyes.  Despite all of this, Christ became a king that was far beyond all we could have asked for.  He is perfectly loving, forgiving, and kind.  He takes care of us and protects us from the internal enemy of sin.  He was a king who was willing to die for you and me.  He is preparing us a heavenly kingdom filled with supreme peace and happiness.  No, Jesus wasn’t the typical leader, and we should praise God that He wasn’t.  What a magnificent heavenly King we serve!