JESUS ON LEADERSHIP

Ministry and marketplace leaders who follow Christ and His teachings have the words of Jesus to rely on when it comes to learning how to be better leaders.


As I did research for this "Jesus on Leadership," I was struck by the main message Jesus delivered for Christ-following ministry and marketplace leaders, namely:

1. Servant Leadership
   
2. Humility
   
3. Self-Sacrifice
   
   
   

SERVANT LEADERSHIP
The greatest leader the world has ever seen said, "Even the Son of Man did not come to be served. Instead, he came to serve others. He came to give his life as the price for setting many people free." (Mark 10:45 NIRV) Another gospel writer reported another teaching time: "Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.'" (Matthew 20:25-26 NIV)


Question to consider: What can I do this year to be a better servant leader?


HUMILITY
A central element of servant leadership is humility. Without great humility, it is impossible to fulfill the role Christ Jesus laid out for leaders. Consider this: "Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.'" (Mark 9:35 NIV) Taking a differential position is essential to lead like Christ led, for: "The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Matthew 23:11-12 NIV)


Question to Consider: What can I do this year to be more humble?


SELF-SACRIFICE
Along with a humble servant’s heart, a willingness to sacrifice everything in leading others is a required trait. How many ministry and marketplace leaders truly behave like this? Consider the words of Christ: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11 NIV) How many of us lead by the example that Jesus gave us? He clearly said: "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15 NIV)


Question to Consider: What can I do this year to be more self-sacrificial?


CONCLUSION
As we begin this year, let us allow these verses to inform our leadership style. Let us reflect on Jesus' teachings regarding serving others, humility, and self-sacrifice. Distinct from most secular views on leadership, Christ’s perspective gives us a clear roadmap for how us Christ-following leaders are to lead others.


PRAYER
Lord Jesus, please help us lead others with your heart of servanthood, humility, and self-sacrifice. Amen.
​

Your aspiring servant, Daniel M.
January 1, 2024
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.