Jesus Our Great Leader
Embracing Jesus’ Servant Leadership Will Transform Your Influence and Impact as a Leader
Jesus taught clearly that leadership in His kingdom is fundamentally different from the leadership seen in earthly systems. In His kingdom, authority is not about status or control. It is about serving others, walking in humility, and recognizing God as the only true source of honor and leadership.
Matthew 23:8–12 (NLT)
“Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters.
And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father.
And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah.
The greatest among you must be a servant.
But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
1. Recognize True Authority Comes from God, Not Titles
Scripture Basis: “Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ … ‘Teacher,’ … ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father.”
Principle: In Jesus’ kingdom, leadership is not built on human titles, positions, or status symbols. Leadership flows from relationship with God and submission to Him, not from seeking public recognition or honorifics.
Practice:
Avoid insisting on titles that elevate your status over others.
Focus on the substance of your service rather than the nameplate or label attached to it.
2. Value Equality Among Believers
Scripture Basis: “All of you are equal as brothers and sisters.”
Principle: Spiritual leadership does not create higher or lower classes of people. Every believer has equal value and dignity before God.
Practice:
Treat team members, coworkers, or church members as equals in worth, regardless of their role or background.
Listen and make room for contributions from everyone, not just those in formal leadership positions.
3. Adopt the Posture of a Servant
Scripture Basis: “The greatest among you must be a servant.”
Principle: True greatness in Jesus’ kingdom is defined by service, not by control or dominance. Leadership is measured by willingness to meet others’ needs, even at personal cost.
Practice:
Look for quiet, unseen ways to serve rather than waiting for recognition.
Lead by example through actions that benefit others first.
4. Practice Humility, Not Self-Exaltation
Scripture Basis: “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Principle: Jesus warns directly against self-promotion. Leadership is not about raising oneself up but about trusting God to lift you up in His time.
Practice:
Refrain from promoting your own achievements.
Let others speak well of your work rather than speaking of it yourself.
Be quick to admit mistakes and open to correction.
Quick Reminders for Sticky Notes
Authority: Flows from God, not titles.
Equality: All are brothers and sisters under one Father.
Service: Leadership = Serving others.
Humility: Promotion comes from God, not self.
Look at the incredible impact Jesus had—not through power or status, but through humble service, genuine love, and servant leadership. As leaders, we are called to follow His example, embracing humility and selflessness to transform lives and create lasting change. Let’s lead like Jesus did—serving others first and making a difference that truly matters.