What Jesus teaches about Leadership
Introduction
Leadership is a profound calling, one that is often intertwined with power, ambition, and authority. Yet, when we turn to Jesus and His teachings, we find a radically different perspective. The greatest leader the world has ever known led with humility, love, and service to others. This study invites you on a journey to discover what it truly means to lead as Jesus did.
Imagine a world where leaders prioritize serving others above their own ambition. This is the kind of leadership Jesus practiced and preached. His approach to leadership was not confined to convention or cultural norms; instead, it was rooted in a divine purpose to uplift, empower, and transform. As you read on, be inspired to embody these qualities in your own life, whether you are leading in the boardroom, classroom, or home.
Bible Verse
Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV): “Not so with you. 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.”
Meaning
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus redefines the concept of greatness and leadership. During a dispute among His disciples over who would be the greatest in His kingdom, Jesus introduces a paradigm shift. He emphasizes that true leadership is not about wielding power over others but serving them with love and humility.
By using the term “servant,” Jesus invites us to adopt an attitude of humility and selflessness. Leadership, as He models, is about putting the needs of others before our own and prioritizing their growth and well-being. This does not diminish a leader’s value or authority, but rather enhances it by aligning with a higher purpose.
Jesus further illustrates this lesson by reflecting on His mission—to serve and sacrifice for the benefit of humanity. His entire life was a testament to leading by example. When we embrace His teachings, we realize that leadership is a call to impact lives positively and inspire others to follow suit.
Actions to Take
– Practice active listening to understand the needs and concerns of those around you.
– Identify ways to serve others in your community or workplace, even in small acts of kindness.
– Reflect daily on your motivations for leading—seek alignment with serving others rather than self-interest.
– Mentor someone who could benefit from your knowledge and experience, guiding them as Jesus would.
– Cultivate humility by acknowledging and learning from your mistakes and experiences.
Journal Prompts
– How can I incorporate servanthood into my leadership style?
– What are specific ways I can serve those I lead?
– Reflect on a leader you admire. How do they embody the principles of servant leadership?
– How can I overcome obstacles that prevent me from serving others?
– Recall a time when you served someone else. How did it impact your perspective on leadership?
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the example of leadership through service that Jesus Christ provided. Help me to model His humility and love in all aspects of my life. Open my heart to see opportunities for service, and grant me the courage and strength to lead selflessly and authentically. May my actions inspire others to follow in His footsteps and glorify You. Amen.
Social Posts
– “Greatness in leadership is not about power, but about serving others with love and humility. #ServantLeadership #LeadLikeJesus”
– “True leaders uplift & empower those around them. Embrace the heart of a servant leader today! ✨ #Inspiration #JesusTeachings”
– “Leading by example: Serve first, then lead. Discover leadership lessons from Jesus. #ServantHeart #Leadership”
– “Change your perspective on leadership—serve others, just as the Son of Man came to serve. 🙏 #PerspectiveShift #FaithJourney”
– “Want to be a great leader? Embrace the mindset of service over self-interest. #LeadershipTips #FaithInAction”
Conclusion
Leadership modeled after Jesus’ teachings offers us unlimited potential to make a positive difference in the world. By serving with humility, we not only uplift others but also fulfill a higher purpose, becoming beacons of love that draw others closer to God. Reflect on this powerful journey and let it inspire you to lead with compassion in your community, family, and workspace.
Thank you for joining us on this devotional path at BGodInspired.com. We encourage you to continue exploring the depths of Jesus’ teachings and their transformative impact on life and leadership. Together, let us build a world where leadership is synonymous with service and love.
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.