John 15,16,17

John 15:15-17 "For everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, I chose you and appointed you to go bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other."

Jesus sets the stage for what his team of disciples will do to advance the Kingdom when he speaks to his group in John 15-17, the last time he would speak to all of them together until his resurrection. He assures them that he has taught them everything they need to know - they are equipped and ready to go, whether they realize it or not. He reminds them that they are his chosen people - he has taken special interest in them because they have chosen to be faithful to him every day and until they die - and because of this, they will make a difference in the world that won't simply fade away like it has by all men throughout history. He informs them that God will give them whatever they need when they ask in Jesus' name, because he wants them to carry out the work. Lastly, he commands to them to that they must love each other, because that is the only way they will be successful.

In a modernized notion, its as if Jesus is the manager of a company that he started himself from scratch. He has been in charge for awhile now, and it is time for him to finally retire. He has poured his heart and soul into this company, shed blood for this company, and will not just let it fizzle out. So he gathers his employees, the ones who have been with him the longest, and he reminds them of all he has shown them how to do. He assures them that they are the right people to keep the company running, because he hand-picked each of them to be his workers. They each have unique skills and features that are needed to keep the company alive. He promises that he will stay nearby, if they need anything, they can give him a call and he'll be there right away to help. But the most important piece of advice he lends to his trusted employees is to work together and take care of one another because that is the only way they will continue to find success.

Jesus is implying to his disciples that they are the catalysts that are to begin the Christian movement, the movement to SAVE LIVES. He wants them to remember his words, so that future generations will forever worship him as our Lord and Savior. And he wants this movement to work through multiplication, not simply addition, so it may form an everlasting chain reaction of Christ followers.

He inspires them: John 16:33 "I have told you these things that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
He gives them the encouragement they need to do work for him. He builds them up after hitting them with the toughest of responsibilities. And he prays for them: John 17:17-19 "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."

Jesus is a leader through all of this. In fact, the model of all leaders. He trains his disciples, and works them hard, expecting much out of them, but guiding the way the whole time so they can learn. He humbles himself before them, to teach them to never be boastful. For they are not here to conquer the world, but rather to serve the people of the world. He gives them advice, counsels them, and promises to always help them when they are in need. He encourages them when their spirits need to be lifted. And most importantly, he shows genuine love for all of them. That is truly leadership.