Movies have been made, stories have been written, and each one of us could share of personal experiences of poor leadership. Even Jesus’ own Disciples debated of who would come out top of the list of leading for Jesus.
At one point, James and John, brothers, the sons of Zebedee, petitioned Jesus for seats of highest position. Some have said these two even recruited their mother to petition Jesus on their behalf, referring to Matthew 20:20-28. If they did indeed put her up to it, that is pretty low. Either way it shows our desire to be above the rest. The other disciples were caught up in the desire to be “leader of the pack” as well.
One author commented on the exchange this way, “Everybody was caught off guard. Stunned. The commanding General of heaven’s armies looked them in the eyes and made Himself so perfectly clear that not even a child in their midst could have missed the point.”
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. 26 It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28
Jesus made it clear, Leadership is not about being “the boss”. It is about serving. Leadership is not about lording over someone, it is not about strutting, but about stooping to supply. Leadership is not about demanding from, but caring for.
In this short passage Jesus clarified for us the reality of leadership. He demonstrated this type of leadership for three and a half years.
Leadership is conducted in one of two ways. The first is by fear of punishment. The other is through the art of loving care. One is productive, the other might appear productive, yet not with desired results. Leadership based on love and care will always prove more fruitful and effective.
Too often in the world and in church we miss this tremendous principle of production. We may not realize it but too often we are perceived as strutting around demanding submission rather than stooping into the trenches to show that we care enough to share the workload.
Jesus said of that mindset of control by position, demanding submission, “It shall not be so among you!” Cry out to God asking for the mind of Christ in all your roles of leading and pray for the leaders of your church to be Christ-minded leaders.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.