Leadership Lessons from the Parable of the Trees
By Susan Steel
The book of Judges records a tumultuous time in the history of the people of God. It was a time of moral and spiritual decline, and even though God sent individuals called ‘judges’ to bring about deliverance, their successes were temporary, and their failures revealed Israel’s need for a faithful king. Leadership is one of the most powerful forces in shaping communities, organizations, and nations. A wise leader can bring growth and peace, while a selfish one can cause destruction.
The Parable of the Trees is a powerful lesson about the consequences of choosing poor leaders. Jotham uses this parable to warn the people of Shechem about their mistake in appointing Abimelech as king. Through this story, we learn the qualities of good leadership, the dangers of power-hungry rulers, and how we should choose and become leaders in our own lives.
In Jotham’s story, the trees seek a ruler and approach three productive trees—the olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine—but each refuses because they are already serving others through their fruit. Finally, the trees turn to the bramble, which agrees to rule but offers false promises, seeks power for personal gain, and ultimately causes harm.
Today, if there’s one subject I try to avoid, it’s politics. Every day it seems as if there’s another politician who’s been arrested for wrongdoing, for using his or her power for selfish, personal gain, rather than serving the public who voted them into power. Many of us are terrified of what this country’s leadership is doing and the effect these actions are having on society. History has shown how corrupt, power-hungry leaders often bring suffering to their nations. In workplaces, some selfish bosses seek status rather than serving their teams. Even in churches, leaders who focus on control rather than service can harm their communities. Thankfully, not at St. Stephen’s!
The parable teaches us that good leaders are those who serve others before seeking power. Unlike the bramble, which only wanted control, the olive tree, fig tree, and vine were already contributing to their community in meaningful ways. Having read the parable a couple of times, I found myself examining my own leadership within my family and workplace. Am I leading with humility, wisdom, and service or could I be seen as seeking influence for personal recognition or control. I pray it’s the former.
One of my favorite passages in the Bible, is Matthew 22:36-40 where Jesus is asked, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law.” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” I try my best to incorporate these laws into my own life by treating everyone with the respect they deserve for the glory of God. These laws should help us become better leaders through leading by example, putting others first, to serve without expecting recognition, and by using our skills and resources to benefit others.
It's been a wonderful experience witnessing how St. Stephen’s is growing its Outreach ministry. With our focus shifting in leaps and bounds to ways that we can better serve our community and beyond we are developing wonderful leaders within the parish. These selfless leaders are choosing to serve rather than dominate and are leading in ways that honor God.
Jotham’s parable is a timeless lesson about leadership, responsibility, and consequences. The people of Shechem made a tragic mistake by choosing a power-hungry leader, and they suffered for it. Today, we face the same choice: Will we follow wise, humble leaders, or will we be deceived by selfish rulers who seek only power? And more importantly, what kind of leader will we choose to be? The answer will shape our families, St. Stephen’s, our communities, and our future.
