What can I learn from Jesus as a leader? - Leadership - TouchPoints

Matthew 5:21-22“You have heard that our ancestors were told . . . But I say . . .”

John 8:31-32Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Leaders define reality. They help those they lead develop a perspective and a worldview that enables them to interpret life from the vantage point of God’s truth. The truth, even when it’s hard, sets people free from ignorance and deception.

John 5:19So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.”

John 15:5“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

Leaders submit themselves to the ultimate leader, God. They know that they themselves are dependent on God and on others.

Mark 3:14Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles.

Mark 6:7And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two.

Leaders develop teams that create community. They share responsibilities and work through tough issues, gaining strength from mutual encouragement and accountability. Leaders know that differing gifts, attitudes, and experiences of team members complement each other and provide balance and support in practical ways.

Matthew 7:24-29“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” . . . When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

Leaders teach with insight and practical wisdom. They take the time to understand the truth and to communicate it in ways that those they lead can hear and respond to.

Matthew 4:1-4Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. . . . During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Luke 9:58But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

Leaders practice what they preach. They resist temptation and lead lives that are above reproach. They also live a lifestyle consistent with the standards they expect of others.

Matthew 10:1Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.

John 16:13“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”

Leaders equip and release those they lead. They provide them with the wisdom and experience necessary, then let go and allow them to take responsibility for the tasks.

Luke 10:17-20When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” “Yes,” he told them. . . . But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

Leaders keep their priorities clear. The disciples were excited to see the power of God at work through them, but Jesus reminded them that the most important fact was the love of God for them.

Mark 10:45“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Philippians 1:21For to me, living means living for Christ.

Leaders have a clear sense of mission and dedicate themselves to fulfilling that mission.

Matthew 28:19-20“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 1:8“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Leaders cast a specific vision for those they lead.

John 8:44“He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Leaders expose lies and falsehood so that others can think clearly and respond wisely to all of life’s challenges.

Matthew 23:27-28“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

Leaders confront tough situations and people who are harming others.

Luke 9:23-25Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?”

Leaders expect the most from those they lead and push them to their limits.

John 13:1-5Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. . . . So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

Leaders serve those they lead in practical, sacrificial, humbling ways.

John 19:18-30There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” . . . Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Leaders pay the price of love in leadership. No one will ever compare with Jesus’ sacrifice in a literal sense. But leaders often have to suffer and sacrifice to serve those they lead.

Luke 22:28-30“You have stayed with me in my time of trial. And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Leaders express their love and gratitude.

Matthew 26:37-40He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” . . . Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?”

Leaders are vulnerable. Jesus revealed his anguish and expressed his need for the disciples’ support as he prayed in Gethsemane just before his arrest.