Jesus: A Leadership Example - Pt. 1
This is part one of a three part series that analyzes the leadership qualities of Jesus.
Introduction
The study of leadership contains many contributions from multiple sources, including business, non-profit, political, and military leaders. Each of these sources adds valuable insight into the nature of leadership. But what does the Bible have to say about leadership? Scripture does not provide an organized plan of how to lead, but it gives principles designed to shape and guide a leader in his leadership.
Jesus Christ provides a great starting point and foundation for investigating Biblical principles that can guide a leader. These principles are reinforced as well throughout the New Testament epistles. The following principles from the life of Jesus may help guide leaders in their endeavor to lead others well.
For the Glory of Jesus
Why do leaders lead? Individuals should not seek leadership positions for prestige, accolades, money, or power. A biblical understanding of leadership understands that the ultimate purpose of a leader is to bring glory to God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul calls the Corinthian believers to do everything to the glory of God. Paul states that even the most fundamental aspects of life, such as eating and drinking, can be done to God's glory. Therefore, the high calling of leadership can also be done to the glory of God. John the Baptist emulated this in John 3:30. Many of John's disciples left John to follow Jesus. But John is not troubled by this development. Instead, he proclaims that he must decrease in glory, and Jesus must increase. John did not want to receive any glory; instead, he desired the Messiah to receive all the honor and attention. In Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus warns against a type of action and righteousness that seeks the approval of others. He calls the disciples to guard against doing good things such as giving, praying, and fasting for human praise. Effective and successful leaders will often garner compliments and praise from others. However, they must continually guard against taking credit for the work of God in and through them. Leaders must diligently ensure their ultimate purpose is to bring glory to God.
Reliance on Jesus
Leadership is not easy. Leadership from a biblical understanding realizes that the leader does not have the personal resources necessary to lead effectively on their own. Jesus modeled for leaders how to find the strength to lead. Luke 5:17 records that Jesus continually retreated from others to pray. Jesus knew that his strength was based upon remaining connected to the Father. In John 15:5, Jesus expounds upon this action when he calls his followers to abide in him to bear spiritual fruit. Paul encourages his protégé, Timothy, to be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus in 2 Timothy 2:1. Moreover, Peter reminds his readers of the importance of serving by the strength that God supplies them in 1 Peter 4:11. Each of these passages demonstrates the importance of finding strength and power for living the Christian life. This mindset applies to the leader as well. A leader must find this strength through abiding in Jesus daily.
Furthermore, leaders must demonstrate their reliance on Jesus through prayer, asking God to work in and through them. If this consistent devotional reliance on God is not maintained, a leader may find himself in a similar situation to that of the disciples in Mark 9:14 – 29. This passage records the inability of the disciples to perform an action they had previously done with success, as seen in Mark 6:13. Jesus diagnoses their failure by reminding the disciples that prayer is how they can bear fruit. Jesus implies that the disciples had begun to rely on their strength and not God's power, as evidenced by their lack of prayer.
As leaders reflect upon their actions, they will likely notice many accomplishments. However, leaders who understand their need for God's grace to work in them will not take credit for their actions. Instead, they can echo Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15:10. In this passage, Paul does not take credit for his works. Instead, he recognizes that God's grace was at work in him, enabling him to bear fruit in ministry.