Mark 14:26-31
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written:“‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” 30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
This would be one of the darkest moment of Jesus life. We see how they have sung a hymn of worship together knowing what would happen next to them – they needed to prepare spiritually.
Jesus then told them a leadership principle before his death – “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. This is true as we see when leaders who have been hit whether by trial and challenges need to fight through their hardest test if they want to continue leading after the storm. In verse 28, Jesus assures them that He will rise and meet them again.
This is the importance of the resurrection. If Jesus did not rise from the dead – then everything was meaningless. It reminds me of what godly leadership is. Many things we have chosen to die for (recognition, ego, perks, and benefits). As leaders – we are not after the glory of man, or the fame the world brings, or the control the leadership position has. Jesus all redefined it for us. And again He does so still in this passage.
It’s learning how to die for the things of this world that we gain a new kingdom perspective on life and leadership. It’s not about being served but serving. It’s not about getting the glory; it’s death to self so Christ may be glorified. It’s never about me but the people God has chosen me to lead.
Peter then butts in and tells Jesus in essence; I will not leave you alone if the whole world does – which Jesus sadly prophesied that He would deny Him three times. Jesus again reminds Peter and the disciples it’s not how you think it will be.
Lord, help me walk out leadership in light of how you led the disciples. Continue to prune me and bury things in my life to sharpen me as a godly leader.