Jesus’ teachings on leadership focus on servitude, humility, and the responsible use of authority. He emphasized leading by example, serving others rather than exerting power over them, and the importance of humility in leadership positions. Here are three Bible verses that capture these principles:
- Mark 10:42-45 (ESV): “And Jesus called them to him and said to them, ‘You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'”
- Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV): “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- John 13:12-17 (ESV): “When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, ‘Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.'”
Three Main Takeaways:
- Servant Leadership: Jesus introduces a revolutionary concept of leadership that contrasts sharply with worldly leadership. Leadership, in Jesus’ view, is not about wielding power or demanding service but about serving others selflessly, even to the point of sacrifice.
- Humility in Authority: Jesus’ actions and teachings emphasize the importance of humility in leadership. Washing his disciples’ feet, an act reserved for servants, demonstrates that true leaders must be willing to perform the most menial tasks for the sake of others.
- Leading by Example: Jesus didn’t just teach about servitude and humility; he embodied these qualities in his life and ministry. Leaders are called to model the behavior they wish to see in others, guiding not just with words but through their actions and character.
