Influence
Jesus is more than just a spiritual leader. He gives a practical and effective leadership model for all organizations, for all people, for all situations. You may not think of yourself as a leader, but leadership is about influence. You do have influence, therefore, in a sense, all of us are leaders.
Jesus is the greatest leader of all time. In the passages for today, we see some of the characteristics of Jesus’ leadership together with those of two other great influencers’ in the Bible – David and Job.
A leader’s worship - Psalm 18:1-6
David was one of the greatest leaders in the history of Israel. He also wrote some of the most beautiful songs of worship ever written. Thousands of years later, his Psalms continue to be used in worship by God’s people.
In this psalm, we see that David’s worship and prayer was the bedrock on which his leadership was founded. In the midst of difficulties and opposition he says, ‘I called to the Lord, I cried to my God for help’ (v.6). The result was a great reversal in circumstances followed by success, which led David to express his thanksgiving in song.
Whether in difficulty or success, follow David’s example by seeking to build your life on the foundation of prayer and worship.
The starting point of worship is love for God: ‘I love you fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my strength’ (v.1, AMP). David goes on to express his love, praise, and thanksgiving to God. He faced enemies (v.3b), death and destruction (v.4–5) and distress (v.6a). When he looks back he can see how God heard his cry and saved him from his enemies (v.3–6).
Matthew 21:1-17
What does it mean, in practice, to ‘lead like Jesus’?
Lead from who you are more than your position: Who you are is far more important than what you do or what you have, in terms of possessions or position. Jesus’ authority did not come from having a high position in some hierarchy. It came from who he was as a person. He had a natural authority. He had total confidence that all he needed to say was, ‘the Lord needs them’ (v.3). No threats or promises were required.
Be gentle and unassuming: ‘Your king comes to you, gentle…’ (v.5). This is not a characteristic of leadership that the world expects. Yet it was right at the heart of Jesus’ leadership. The Greek word for ‘gentle’ means considerate, unassuming. It is the opposite of aggressive or self-seeking.
Avoid arrogance and ostentation: Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. What a contrast to so many other leaders in history, secular and religious, who have traveled with pomp and ceremony and ostentatious entourages. Jesus’ mode of transport was a sign of great humility. It is the opposite of pride and arrogance, which can so easily creep into human leadership.
Have the courage to confront: People sometimes think that gentleness and humility mean the giving way in every situation, but Jesus was not afraid of confrontation. He ‘entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers’ (v.12). One of the hardest aspects of leadership is to know the right moment for confrontation. Failure to confront is in itself a decision with consequences. Conflict and confrontation are never easy but, wisely applied, they are a necessary part of good and courageous leadership.
Seek spiritual, not worldly power: The power of Jesus was so different from many of the leaders in the world. ‘The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them’ (v.14). Spiritual power is far more important than earthly power. It cannot be manufactured. It can only come from the kind of relationship Jesus had with God.
Make prayer your number one priority: In Jesus’ confrontation with the money-changers, we see how passionate he was about prayer (v.13). And throughout the Gospels, we read of Jesus withdrawing (v.17) to be on his own with God. This was the source of his strength. Like with David, prayer was at the heart of Jesus’ leadership.
Lord, help me to lead like Jesus with authority, gentleness, humility, courage, and power. Like Jesus, may my strength come from my personal relationship with you.
