Which Mission? | Nehemiah 5:14-19

In Nehemiah 5, we see a powerful example of what godly leadership looks like in a world that often prizes self-promotion and personal gain. Every one of us, no matter our position or sphere of influence—whether leading a business, a classroom, a team, or simply our own family—has been entrusted with authority by God. The question is not whether we lead, but how we lead. The call is to lead sacrificially, to put others before ourselves, and to use our influence to lift others up rather than to advance our own interests.

Nehemiah stands in stark contrast to the leaders of his day, who used their positions to burden the people and enrich themselves. Instead, Nehemiah refused the privileges and allowances that were his right, choosing instead to bear the cost himself so that the people could flourish. This was not just a matter of personal humility, but a deep conviction rooted in the fear of God and a desire to see God’s people thrive. He understood that leadership is not about extracting from others, but about stewarding what God has given for the good of those under our care.

This principle is not limited to ancient Israel or to those in formal positions of authority. Each of us is called to examine our hearts and ask whether we are using our influence for our own mission or for God’s. The temptation to use others as a means to our own ends is subtle and ever-present, but the gospel calls us to something radically different. Jesus, the ultimate Good Shepherd, laid down His life for the sheep. He took the heavy burden upon Himself so that we could receive what is easy and light. Our leadership, in whatever form it takes, should reflect this same sacrificial posture.

We are also reminded that our mission is not to build our own kingdoms, but to build God’s. Like Nehemiah, we are to persevere in the work, stay focused on the mission, and resist the distractions of personal gain. God has uniquely gifted each of us for a specific role in His kingdom, and we are called to use those gifts generously for the sake of others. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, let us lead in a way that points to Christ—absorbing the cost, lifting others up, and advancing the mission of God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Sacrificial leadership is the mark of godly influence. True leadership is not about leveraging authority for personal gain, but about laying down rights and privileges for the flourishing of others. This posture is rooted in the fear of God and a desire to see those under our care thrive, not just survive. [07:49]
• 2. The culture we create as leaders matters deeply. Whether in the home, workplace, or church, the environment is shaped by the attitude of those in authority. When leaders see people as cogs in a wheel, the result is burnout and resentment; when they see themselves as stewards for others’ good, the result is joy and flourishing. [06:36]
• 3. The temptation to use others for our own advancement is subtle and persistent. Even good things—like family, ministry, or work—can become self-serving if we are not vigilant. Regular heart checks are necessary to ensure we are not pulling ourselves up at the expense of those we are called to serve. [17:42]
• 4. Our mission is to build God’s kingdom, not our own. Nehemiah’s refusal to acquire land or use his servants for personal projects is a reminder that our resources, influence, and gifts are to be invested in God’s purposes. We must resist the distractions of personal empire-building and stay focused on the work God has assigned to us. [25:19]
• 5. The gospel is the ultimate model of sacrificial leadership. Jesus absorbed the cost, taking the heavy burden of our sin so that we could receive His light and easy yoke. Our leadership should echo this pattern—absorbing burdens, promoting others, and pointing people to the grace we ourselves have received. [34:33]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:28] - Vision for Adoption and Foster Care
• [01:40] - Invitation to Join the Chosen Movement
• [03:30] - The Weight of Leadership
• [04:48] - The Impact of Authority on Flourishing
• [06:36] - Godly Leadership: You Before Me
• [07:49] - Nehemiah’s Example of Sacrifice
• [09:04] - The Culture of Burdensome Leadership
• [12:06] - Distinguishing Toughness from Abuse
• [13:23] - Ezekiel 34: The Failure of Selfish Leaders
• [16:28] - The Wall Exercise: Using Strength for Others
• [18:22] - Jesus the Good Shepherd
• [22:10] - Staying Focused on the Mission
• [25:19] - Building God’s Kingdom, Not Our Own
• [27:43] - Unique Gifting and Calling
• [29:39] - Generosity as a Mark of Commitment
• [33:55] - Jesus Absorbs Our Burden
• [36:31] - Heart Checks in Leadership
• [37:47] - Prayer and Response

Bible Reading

Nehemiah 5:14-19 (ESV) — 14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor.
15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God.
16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work.
17 Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us.
18 Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people.
19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.

Ezekiel 34:2-4 (ESV) — 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?
3 You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep.
4 The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.”

John 10:11 (ESV) — “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Observation Questions

1. According to Nehemiah 5:14-19, what specific privileges did Nehemiah refuse to take as governor, and why did he make that choice?
2. In Ezekiel 34:2-4, what are the main failures God accuses the leaders (“shepherds”) of Israel of committing?
3. How does Jesus describe the difference between a good shepherd and a hired hand in John 10:11?
4. In the sermon, what was the main difference between Nehemiah’s leadership and the leaders who came before him? ([07:49])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Nehemiah say he refused the governor’s food allowance and privileges? What does “the fear of God” mean in this context? ([07:49])
2. How does the culture created by leaders affect the people under their care, according to both Nehemiah’s example and the sermon? ([06:36])
3. The sermon mentions that the temptation to use others for our own advancement is subtle and persistent. Why is this temptation so hard to recognize in ourselves? ([17:42])
4. How does Jesus’ example as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11 shape our understanding of what true, godly leadership looks like? ([18:22])

Application Questions

1. Think about a place where you have influence (home, work, school, church, etc.). Are there ways you might be using your position to benefit yourself rather than to serve others? What would it look like to “absorb the cost” for the sake of those you lead? ([33:55])
2. The sermon says, “Godly leadership says you before me, not me before you.” Can you think of a recent situation where you had to choose between your own comfort and someone else’s good? How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? ([07:14])
3. Nehemiah stayed focused on God’s mission and resisted distractions like building his own “kingdom.” What are some distractions or “personal empire-building” temptations in your life right now? How can you stay focused on God’s purposes? ([25:19])
4. The sermon challenges us to do regular “heart checks” to see if we are using others for our own advancement. What are some practical ways you can check your motives in leadership or influence? ([36:31])
5. Jesus laid down his life for the sheep, taking the heavy burden so we could have what is easy and light. Is there a “burden” you need to take on for someone else this week? What would that look like in your context? ([34:33])
6. The culture of leadership impacts whether people flourish or burn out. How can you help create an environment of joy and flourishing in your home, workplace, or community group? ([06:36])
7. The sermon mentions that even good things like family, ministry, or work can become self-serving if we’re not careful. Is there a “good thing” in your life that you need to surrender or re-orient toward God’s mission? ([17:42])