“Choice” Leaders

SHORTLY after Jesus’ death, those whom He had trained would assume the reins of His new movement, and the transition would prove to be quite awkward. It didn’t help that it was forced on the group by hostile outsiders, but an even more troubling aspect was that the group began to fall apart during Jesus’ last days and hours. For instance:

• Bravado caused them to overstate their commitment (Matthew 26:35). When the moment of truth came, they deserted the Lord (Matthew 26:56).
• Even though the Lord asked them to keep watch with Him during His final hours of freedom, they fell asleep twice (Matthew 26:40, 43).
• At the very moment when Jesus was standing trial and enduring mockery and beatings, Peter, who had led the others in declaring their loyalty (Matthew 26:35), denied any association with Him (Matthew 26:6, 9-75).

In short, the disciples hardly seem to have had the “right stuff” for leadership, for continuing the important work that Jesus began. Yet Jesus returned to that very group after His resurrection and declared that they were still His chosen representatives, the ones appointed to continue His work. And He affirmed His commitment to stick with them to the end (Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus’ treatment of these disciples shows that failure is not unforgivable. Rather, it seems to be the crucible out of which character is formed. It is certainly not a sifting-out process to eliminate weak or useless people. Christ does not look for perfect people but for faithful people who can experience His forgiveness and grow.

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.