What Jesus teaches about Leadership
Introduction
In this busy and competitive world, leadership is a term that’s often thrown around and synonymously used with positions of authority. However, the teachings of Jesus Christ present a striking and radically different model of leadership. According to Jesus, true leadership is essentially about service, humility, genuine love and sacrifice, not about titles, power, or prestige.
This devotional will unpack Jesus’ teachings about leadership and challenge us to align our perception of leadership with His divine paradigm. Let’s delve into the Word of God to discover what it truly means to be a leader, the way Jesus defines it.
Bible Verse
“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.” Matthew 20:27-28 (NIV)
Meaning
This Bible verse emphasizes Jesus’ definition of true leadership. For Him, a leader isn’t someone who lords over others, but one who serves humbly and places others’ interests above his own. Jesus lived out this principle in His own life, acting as a Servant Leader, all the way to the cross.
Christ’s model of leadership rejects the world’s idea of greatness—all about gaining control and climbing the ladder of success. Instead, He turns our focus toward others, urging us to stoop down, wash the feet of our subordinates, wipe their tears, and bear their burdens.
When we understand and accept this radical concept of leadership, it changes not only our workplaces, churches, and communities, but it also changes us. It molds us into the image of Christ and demonstrates to the world the transformative power of the gospel.
Actions to Take
- Reflect on how to serve others in your current spheres of influence.
- Practice humility, not just in words but in action. Seek opportunities to elevate others over yourself.
- Place greater value on relationships than on your role or title.
- Show genuine love and care to those you are leading. Remember that every individual matters.
- Seek to emulate Christ in all areas of your life, especially in the way you lead.
Journal Prompts
- How can you serve someone in your life better today?
- What areas of your leadership need to be redefined to line up with the principles of Servant Leadership?
- How might demonstrating humility in your interactions affect your leadership style?
- Recall a time when you placed relationships over roles. How did it impact both parties involved?
- Think about actions that exemplify Christ’s love. How can you implement them in your leadership approach?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me the true essence of leadership. Help me to always remember that leadership, in Your eyes, is about service, humility, and love. Grant me the courage and wisdom to live out these godly qualities in my life every day. I pray that as I lead, I will reflect Your love and humility to everyone around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Social Posts
- “True leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about taking care of those in your charge.” #JesusModelofLeadership #ServantLeader #BGodInspired
- “Lead like Jesus, who served humbly and loved sacrificially.” #TrueLeadership #BGodInspired
- “Choose to serve rather than be served. This is the essence of true leadership.” #JesusTeaches #Leadership101 #BGodInspired
- “Let’s challenge the world’s definition of leadership & embrace Christ’s. Leadership is service, humility, love, and sacrifice!” #LeadLikeJesus #BGodInspired
- “Your title makes you a manager; your people make you a leader.” #TrueLeadership #InspiredByJesus #BGodInspired
Conclusion
Leadership, according to Jesus Christ, presents a refreshing and radical paradigm, one that’s vastly different from the world’s perspective. It’s less about the externals—authority, possession, and power, but more about the internals—humility, sacrifice, servanthood, and love.
When we incorporate these qualities into our leadership style, it not only transforms our lives but also the lives we touch. It’s a call to humble our hearts and elevate others above ourselves fully and unreservedly. It’s a call to lead as Jesus leads.
Continue diving into the Bible with us at BGodInspired.com and unearth more of Jesus’ rewarding teachings around various aspects of life. Let’s transform together, one Bible study at a time.
Do you want to know more about what Jesus teaches about ANY topic? Then try our What Jesus Teaches GPT. This is a great modern-day companion – simply search any topic and see what Jesus has to say about it.