What Jesus teaches about Leadership
Introduction
Leadership is around us in every form; at work, at home, and in the community. But how do we define good Leadership? One of the best examples of leadership can be found in the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ. He not only taught with authority, He also led with compassion, humility, and servitude – qualities that make a valuable and commendable leader. In this short study, we will delve into what Jesus teaches us about Leadership and how we can use these teachings to improve our leadership skills and apply them in all areas of our lives.
Bible Verse
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Meaning
This profound verse encapsulates the philosophy of leadership according to Jesus Christ. Leadership, as demonstrated by Jesus, is not about being in power, but about serving others. This verse highlights two fundamental aspects of Jesus’ leadership style; self-sacrifice and service.
Jesus came to earth to serve others – to teach, heal, offer hope, and eventually to give His life up for mankind. In this verse, we see Jesus aiming to redefine the concept of leadership. It’s not about having the highest position or gaining the most followers; it’s about bringing out the best in others through service.
Actions to Take
- Reflect, daily, on the needs of those you lead and find ways to better serve them.
- Embrace humility. Let go the need to be right and focus on what’s good for others not just yourself.
- Practice self-sacrifice. Give up something of your own for the benefit of those you lead.
- Project positivity and inspiration to your team just like how Jesus Christ uplifts us every day.
Journal Prompts
- How can you improve in serving those you lead?
- In what ways can you emulate Jesus’ humility in your leadership?
- What is one thing you can sacrifice this week to benefit someone else?
- Write down a situation where you demonstrated leadership values that Jesus taught us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the wonderful example of leadership You’ve shown us. Help me to apply Your teachings in my life and to lead with humility and service. Let my actions reflect Your love and compassion, and let me bring out the best in those I lead. Amen.
Social Posts
- “Embrace humility in leadership. A true leader is a servant to those they lead. #JesusLeadership”
- “Let’s redefine leadership – it’s not about power, it’s about serving others. #ServeLikeJesus”
- “Jesus led with sacrificial love. Let’s follow His example in our daily leadership. #GodInspiredLeadership”
Conclusion
We are all leaders in our own right. Jesus offers us the greatest model of leadership – one grounded in service to others and tempered with humility and love. As we go about our day, let us remember the teachings of Jesus on leadership. By shifting the focus from power to service, we honor Christ and shine His light to those we lead. To continue exploring what the Bible teaches about the aspects of our daily lives, go to BGodInspired.com
Journaling – Your Pathway to Purposeful Mornings!
Q&A about what Jesus teaches about Leadership
Q: What does Jesus teach about leadership in general?
A: Jesus teaches that true leadership is about serving others, not seeking personal gain. He instructs that whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.
Q: How did Jesus demonstrate leadership according to the Bible?
A: Jesus demonstrated leadership by his acts of humility, selflessness, servant-heartedness, and by leading through example. He washed his disciple’s feet, a task usually performed by servants, to teach them about humility and service.
Q: What verse signifies Jesus’s teaching on leadership?
A: Matthew 20:26-28 is a good verse that signifies Jesus’s teaching on leadership. He says, “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Q: How does Jesus encourage transformational leadership?
A: Jesus encourages transformational leadership by teaching leaders to inspire and motivate followers, to prioritize the needs of the followers over their own, and to foster ethical, long-term success based on trust and respect.
Q: What leadership qualities did Jesus embody?
A: Jesus embodied many leadership qualities including humility, compassion, integrity, and resilience. He was also a visionary, a good listener, was fearless in the face of opposition, and put the needs of others before his own.
Q: Does Jesus’s teaching on leadership extend to secular leadership?
A: Yes, Jesus’s teaching on leadership is not limited to religious spaces. His model of servant leadership—prioritizing the needs of others, leading with empathy and compassion—can be applied in any leadership context be it in the corporate world, politics, or community organizations.
Q: How does Jesus define greatness in leadership?
A: According to Jesus, greatness in leadership is defined not by how many people serve you, but by how many people you serve. This ideal is embodied in his own life of self-sacrifice and servitude.
