So, we are in this series called “Lead Like Jesus”, and today we get a fabulous example of leadership.

It’s interesting to see where this verse falls in relationship to the chapter in which it sits, and actually, it is the end of about two chapters of miracles that Jesus is doing.  It is only a few verses after Jesus invites Matthew into his inner circle. When I think about the verse, which reads: Matt 9:36 “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”, I think the take away is that Jesus, and we as leaders, should be training ourselves to spot need, and especially those needs to which we can minister.  It’s one thing to have influence, and it’s another to constantly look for ways to use my influence in a way that benefits those around me.  If you think about how Jesus used his power and his influence, it’s hard to find an example of a time he used it for himself. That makes me think about myself, and it reminds me how selfish I can be with my own power and influence.

Today, my prayer is that I would seek and find and leverage an opportunity to use my influence. I’m going to make an intentional effort to use it in my family specifically, because that’s where I have the greatest direct impact.