We are in the middle of a series called, “Here, There, & Everywhere” in which we are talking about living the mission of Jesus. One thing worth noting is the selection process through which Jesus took to recruit leaders for His movement.
When you think about the severity of Jesus’ mission you have to be curious what He was looking for when rallying up leaders. Two observations stand out to me.
- Jesus did not call the obvious candidates. When I read scripture it appears obvious to me that the most likely candidates to lead the mission of Jesus were the most educated and most decorated. Nobody knew more about the history of God and the scriptures like the Scribes and Pharisees yet Jesus didn’t call them. Who did he call? Fishermen and Tax collectors. Ordinary run of the mill, messed up people. Why did He pick them? Good question. Messed up people connect with messed up people. Somehow, Jesus was able to see the value in messed up people.
- Jesus didn’t call leaders but followers. I think it is interesting that while Jesus was recruiting leaders he invited them to follow. Be careful of those who are looking to lead. From time to time I find people who possess great gifts but they lack the willingness to follow or serve. If you refuse to follow/serve you will never be able to lead. Followership is the key to leadership.