Servant Leadership

John 21: 14 – 17
One particular church had a man in the choir who just couldn’t sing. Others tried to help him find other places of ministry in the church without hurting his feelings but with no success. The choir director became so desperate that he went to the Pastor and told the Pastor that, if something were not done, the choir would revolt. The music director told the Pastor that if the choir quit, the choir director would quit as well.
The Pastor tried to approach the man delicately, offering positions for the man to fill, but, each time the man would say, "I would, Pastor, but I have to sing in the choir." Finally, after becoming frustrated by being unable to solve the problem diplomatically, the Pastor told the man that he needed to leave the choir.
When the man asked why, the Pastor explained that several people had told the Pastor that the man just can’t sing! "That’s nothing," the man replied, "fifty people have told me you can’t preach, but you’re still here!"
Peter had spoken pretty boldly about his commitment before Christ's crucifixion, but now he's being reticent. In Matthew 26, Peter said, "Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee." Then came the challenge and Peter had denied the Lord three times before the rooster crowed. I wonder if that threefold denial might have something to do with Jesus asking Peter basically the same question three times. Peter will have a primary role of leadership in the church, but first, there are some things that Peter must realize. Those qualities that will enable Peter to lead are important to Christian leadership today as well.

REQUIREMENT of LEADERSHIP-
Our relationship with Jesus is fundamental to our ability to influence others.
Unless we have a vital relationship with Jesus, we have nothing to offer others.
Why does Jesus create this awkward encounter for Peter and the apostles?
He is trying to emphasize the importance of a deep and intimate commitment with Him.
What we might really ask is why is Peter sketchy about his response?
You may have heard that there is a meaning that lies beneath the translation here.
Jesus asked Peter do you love me more than these things? Peter said, I'm fond of you.
Jesus spoke of a giving love that prizes its object above all else; Peter spoke of affection.
In Luke 14:26, Jesus taught that His followers should love Him more than anyone else.
Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him more than these things.
Since they had been fishing and eaten fish, we may surmise he was asking of his career.
But the point Jesus is driving home is that God must be the leader's first love.
Before we can effectively minister to others, we must tend to our own walk with God.
As Jesus persists in the question, He finally brings the discussion to Peter.
In the last exchange, Jesus used Peter's word: phileo. Are you truly fond of me?
Peter needed to examine the level of his commitment to Christ.
He needed to realize that Jesus loved him even when he failed.
He needed to be able to get beyond his self-conscious feelings.
How is your relationship with God? Are you connecting with Him as you should?

RELATIONAL LEADERSHIP-
Love for Jesus is tethered to serving Jesus by serving others.
Our love will be translated