Chapter 52—Jesus as Model Pastor
Compilers’ note: Jesus never pastored a church congregation such
as we have today. But, like today’s pastors, He did preach and teach,
and minister both to large groups and to individuals. It is helpful
to pastors of small churches to realize that the closest He came to
pastoring a specific congregation was his ongoing ministry to a tiny
group of twelve. It should be encouraging to pastors who sometimes
feel their failure, to realize that even Jesus could not keep one of
those twelve from apostasy. In the Ellen White quotations below, it is
noteworthy how often Jesus is called the Chief Shepherd, and ministers
to His under-shepherds. He is the minister’s model
.
Christ, the chief Shepherd, provides the perfect model for His
undershepherds—Christ is the Chief Shepherd. He has intrusted the
care of His flock to under shepherds. He requires these shepherds to
have the same interest for His sheep which He has ever manifested, and
to ever feel the responsibility of the charge He has intrusted to them.
Ministers, who are called of God to labor in word and doctrine, are
Christ’s shepherds. He has appointed them under Himself to oversee
and tend His flock. He has solemnly commanded these to be faithful
shepherds, to feed the flock with diligence, to follow His example,
to strengthen the weak, nourish the fainting, and to shield them from
devouring beasts. He points them to His example of love for His sheep.
To secure their deliverance, He laid down His life for them. If they
imitate His self-denying example, the flock will prosper under their
care.—
Spiritual Gifts 3:123
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Not one minister in twenty knows the real essence of Christ’s
ministry—Divine knowledge may become human knowledge. Every
minister should study closely the manner of Christ’s teaching. They
must take in His lessons. There is not one in twenty who knows the
beauty, the real essence, of Christ’s ministry. They are to find it out.
Then they will become partakers of the rich fruit of his teachings. They
will weave them so fully into their own life and practice, that the ideas
and principles that Christ brought into His lessons will be brought into
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