How does Matthew 11:7 challenge us to evaluate our expectations of leaders? Setting the Scene “As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?’ ” (Matthew 11:7) The crowd had trekked into the barren Judean wilderness to hear John. Jesus seizes that moment to probe their expectations—and ours—about spiritual leadership. Why a Reed—and Why Does It Matter? • The reed was the most common plant along the Jordan, bending in every breeze. • To call a man a reed was to label him pliable, easily moved by shifting opinion or pressure. • Jesus’ question assumes a “No.” No one expected John to be a spiritual pushover; they came because he was anything but. What Jesus Exposes About Our Expectations 1. We secretly admire strength yet often settle for charm. 2. We can confuse popularity with authority. 3. We may want leaders who soothe us rather than stretch us. Traits Jesus Commends (and We Should Seek) • Conviction over convenience – John preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 3:2), unmoved by backlash. • Steadfastness amid pressure – John told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have her” (Mark 6:18) even when it cost him freedom. • God-given message, not self-promotion – “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) kept the spotlight on Christ. Scripture Echoes on Steadfast Leadership • Ephesians 4:14: “We will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching.” • James 1:6: “He who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” • 1 Kings 18:21: “How long will you hesitate between two opinions?” Practical Checkpoints for Choosing Leaders • Do they anchor every stance in clear Scripture? • Are they the same in private as in public? • Will they speak truth even when it wounds? • Do they point people to Christ, not themselves? A Mirror for Personal Leadership • My words: solid or shifting? • My motives: God’s glory or my acceptance? • My backbone: firm in trial or bent by pressure? • My legacy: drawing others to repentance or leaving them comfortable? Key Takeaways • Jesus rejects flimsy, wind-blown leadership. • Expect—and become—leaders who stand firm on God’s Word. • Measure influence not by applause, but by unwavering fidelity to truth. |
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