KING JESUS: NOT “QUEEN MOMMY”
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in another way, that man is a thief and a robber.” John 10:1, ESV
Theme: The humble imagery of sheep and shepherds does not seem like the imagery of a conqueror – yet it is the humble way our LORD and Savior describes Himself and us.
ADMIRED PROFESSIONS
My child, or one I know and love, says she wants to be a doctor, lawyer, neurologist, aerospace engineer, a professor, a professional sports player, a business owner, or even a pastor. This makes me proud. It is a reason for her to excel in school and a worthy ambition. Yet many other professions are also a credit to our society, God-honoring and…humble.
When Jesus was a boy, I wonder if elders asked children what they wanted to be or to do for work? Was earning a living so much a part of personal identity as it is in our culture today? Jesus probably knew He would go into the “family business.” And while He was first in the carpentry business, He also could have become a Messiah-king or a Messiah-Conqueror and still been considered being about His Father’s business. Many people expected that He would end Roman rule and occupation by military or political force. The role of Deliverer and Conqueror is a God-like one. He could have even been a respected Pharisee.
THE CROWN BECOMES A SHEPHERD’S STAFF
It’s not exactly acceptable for the heir to the throne to say that he or she wants to be a sheep farmer or a nursery school caretaker. The heir to the throne is expected to serve the crown and lead the nation, army, and people. Assuming the role of sovereign in a country like Great Britain is portrayed as weighty. Very few would-be kings and queens have abdicated their titles in favor of a simpler life.
Jesus was and is the heir to the heavenly throne and yet He did not serve the people from an elevated position in the expected way. Make no mistake, Jesus did not abdicate any role or the mission He was called to by His Father. Jesus did change the job description. Instead of assuming His rightful role as king in an oppressive, impressive, self-promoting way, He chose to lead quietly. His power was not diminished, and yet His title was hidden, publicly unclaimed, for practically His entire life and ministry. When He spoke of His authority, He called himself a Shepherd and called us His sheep. It is a servant’s role, not a high-ranking or glamorous one.
THE WRONG KIND OF RULER
It can be tempting to lead in an authoritarian style. While I’m disciplined in my own life – rising early, sticking to a schedule, following through on my commitments – when I try to push those in my care, I cease to follow the way of Jesus. When I pressure them to behave “because I said so” or because I have a managerial role or hold a position of power, I am not the type of leader Christ is. His way is a humble way. His is the way of a Shepherd doing His regular servant job with no shortcuts. “Anyone else is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1b, ESV).
For a season, when my daughters had endured through too much authoritarian leadership, they became cheeky. “Queen Mommy” they would say when the schedule was strict and the clothes they must wear were preselected. While it seems rather nice to be dubbed queen, this title revealed the unbending they felt – a tart criticism, not a sweet pet name. Looking back, it actually was an amusing path, allowing me to see my own error.
Jesus could have led us by demanding fealty and running a tight ship, filled only with the best and strongest. Instead, He came humbly – healing and serving, conquering but not in the way that was expected of Him. When I lay down my rights, preferences, titles, and adoration for a servant life of building up, protecting, healing, and sacrificing for others...that is when I lead like Jesus.
Make It Personal: When do you tend to lead in an authoritarian style? With whom is it most tempting to do so?
Pray: Lord, thank You for giving us a humble example to follow. Help me to see my tendency to be the wrong kind of leader so that I can shepherd like You do. Yours is a gentle way. Help me to follow You as sheep follow the Shepherd. I relinquish any aversion to that analogy and trust You to show me the way. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Mark 10:31; John 10:1-5, 10-11; Matthew 20:26
Weekly Memory Verse: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11, ESV