I’ve been reading and re-reading Mark 3:13-19 in which Jesus appoints the Twelve “that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
I recall wandering through an airport bookstore and flipping through a book titled something like “Leadership Lessons from Jesus.” One of the “lessons” was that Jesus was a great team-builder. Just look at the team he put together! He was the model CEO! You, too, should look out for people who are effective and take initiative! Like Jesus!
How foolish.
As Mark’s narrative proceeds, the team is a near-disaster. In listing their names, and taking the whole context of the Gospel into account, Mark hints at their fragility. There’s Simon, the violent revolutionary; Peter, who denied him; Thomas, who doubted him; and Judas, who betrayed him.
Mark is indeed a mysterious Gospel, and Jesus’ “calling” and “wanting” (v. 13) these people is surely an instance of God’s mysterious grace rather than the disciples’ effectiveness.
Faith Improvised 
imaginewithscripture
Thanks, Tim. Indeed I have long been thinking about the problem of reading the Gospels as a leadership manual (for Christian leaders who want to follow the CEO model).
S Wu
timgombis
I’m amazed that Mark 10:45 is often bypassed, as is John’s and Mark’s depiction of Jesus as thoroughly identified with the cross!!
timgombis
Someone at some point needs to write a book on Christian leadership called “It Should Not Be So Among You!”
imaginewithscripture
Indeed. I’d love to read that book when it’s written.
Tim Cole
Herr Professor: You must have anticipated our Elder’s Meeting last night. I’ll explain in a minute. But, first, thanks for posting. Your observations about what we find on the shelves from Christian authors is, alas, typical. So, your task, Herr Professor, is to help stop the interpretive bleeding. Keep up the good work there in western Michigan.
.
But—back to last nights’ Elder’s Meeting: The opening devotional, taken from a book written by a well-known Southern Calif Pastor-Teacher, entitled, “Called To Lead,” focused on the leadership lessons from Paul’s stormy voyage to Rome in Acts 27. Bit my tongue for the entire voyage. Looks like, even after almost a 1/4 of a century here, there’s still more equipping to be done. And, I thought I was done here!
timgombis
Tim, I’m cringing . . . I think I know of whom you speak . . .