A Good Leader — Position, Calling, and the Example of Jesus

"Not to rule over them, but to serve them." (Mark 10:45; Matthew 20:25-28)

🌱 Introduction

What kind of leader do we want to follow and be? The one who builds respect with fear and power, or the one who draws hearts with love and service? The Bible and history teach us this difference. Pharaoh persecuted the Israelites with an iron hand (Ex. 1:8-14), but Moses led them with tears, prayers, and humility (Numbers 12:3). This is the stream of Godly leadership.

The church has also had two examples: Diotrephes glorified himself and oppressed others (3 John 1:9), but Paul humbled himself saying, "I make myself the servant of all so that I may gain many" (1 Cor. 9:19). In Jesus we see the pinnacle of true leadership: he washed the feet of his disciples (Jn. 13:5), he changed the meaning of greatness from a crown to a cross.

Expected Results:

To recognize Jesus as the main example of leadership.

Recognizing Jesus as a great example of leadership.

Assessing the calling of an individual as a leader of God's people.

Assessing an individual's calling as a leader of God's people.

To receive a new vision about the position and direction of spiritual service.

Making internal changes towards leadership that serves with love.

1. Jesus – The Humble Leader

Matthew 20:26–28

"But it will not be like that for you; but whoever wants to be your chief, let him be your servant."

Jesus changed the criteria for greatness. While the world saw greatness as oppressive power, Jesus saw greatness as submissive love. He washed the feet of his disciples (Jn. 13:5), he chose the cross instead of the crown. This is an invitation to a spiritual revolution: to be strong is not to command, but to surrender.

2. A Call to Lead is a Call to Serve

Ephesians 4:11–12

"And he gave others to be apostles... to perfect the saints for the work of ministry..."

Spiritual leadership is not a title for self-aggrandizement, but an opportunity to uplift others. Paul said God gave them leaders to "perfect the saints for the work of ministry." This is a service to raise others to achieve God's purpose. Like Jesus, a true leader is a bridge, not a barrier.

3. The leader recognizes himself in the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:27–28

"Then you have become the body of Christ... and God has placed others in the church..."

No leader is independent; they are all members of one body. The position of leadership is not by force but by grace. A good leader sees each member as a valuable link. This is the example of Paul who respected every gift, knowing that service is to cooperate, not to dominate.

4. A Leader is Built by Vision, Not Fear

Habakkuk 2:2–3

Habakkuk 2:2–3 "Write down the vision and make it clear... The vision will come true..."

God's leader walks with vision, not fear. Fear closes, but vision opens the way. Ps. 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet." Thus, a real leader is guided by the light of God, knowing that the position may be lost, but loyalty to God is eternal.

5. A leader learns, is criticized, and matures

Proverbs 9:9

"Give him a wise man, and he will be wiser..."

A true leader is not perfect but a student who continues to grow. Jesus himself grew in wisdom and stature (Lk. 2:52). Peter was criticized, Paul was advised, Timothy was trained. Christ's leadership is a journey of hearing, accepting correction, and maturing in grace.

🛐 Application of the Lesson in Life

Pray: Lord, teach me to be a leader of the cross, not of the crown.

Read: John 13:1-17 - Jesus washes the feet of his disciples.

Share: Listen to someone else's challenges this week and mentor them with love.

Do: Consider your position – is it a platform to glorify yourself or a bridge to lift others up?

🤔 Reflection Questions

What are the things that make you afraid of lowering your status as a leader?

Do you see the members of the church as members of the body of Christ or as people to serve you?

Where did your calling to lead come from, and do you still hear it?

Who is advising you today, and have you given them a chance to speak the truth?

Jesus washed his disciples' feet - which "feet" are you invited to wash today?

🙌 Final Blessing

May the Lord of glory, who came down to be a servant, cover you with the grace of humility and divine courage. Give you a heart to see, a heart to hear, and a heart to serve with joy. Rise up to be a true leader - one who carries a cross instead of a crown. May you be blessed and guided. Amen.

📢 Invitation

We invite you readers to share your views on this subject and discuss it with friends. Share this article so that others can also learn and be blessed.