Text: Matthew 20:20-28
Memory text:
““But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.”
Matthew 20:25 NKJV
The world’s leadership strategy is completely opposed to godly leadership. Though you may see a few cases of misleading leadership in the church and among God’s people, yet we have a perfect example in Jesus Christ.
In our text, Jesus’ disciples were drifting towards worldly leadership style. They were striving and lobbying for the top positions, and this was already creating tension among them. In the midst of this, Jesus taught, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. (Matt 20:25 NLT). Godly or true leadership is not lording it over the followers. It’s not by force, threats, cohesion, pressure, or intimidation, or else it is an oppression. Followers in worldly leadership obey the boss, not out of respect but out of fear. They submit and follow the leader because of the stick in his hands. Contrarily, true leadership is not by intimidation but by influence and inspiration; not by manipulation but by motivation; and not by lording it but by being an example.
Luke described Jesus’ leadership style in his account. “… I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1 NLT). Pay attention to the sequence of the words used. He ‘began to do and teach’ and not ‘to teach and do’! He did it before He ever taught it. He first lived the life He wanted others to live. Unlike worldly leaders, who tell people to do what they say and not what they do. All categories of people, literates and illiterates, young and old, males and females; all followed Jesus just because they were influenced and inspired by Him.
Friends, as Christian parents, will you want your children to follow the way you relate with your spouse or with your own parents, your prayer life, your diligence, your giving, your love for God? As a leader in the church, what if everyone follows your dedication, your attendance, your giving, your relationship with others, and your submission? As a leader in your organization, can you be bold to tell your subordinates and staff to follow your punctuality, loyalty, passion and commitment? Remember that leadership is a privilege given by the followers. If you are not influencing, inspiring, or motivating them, you are only lording it over or oppressing them. It means you don’t really have followers; for they are only ‘following’ because you have the stick!
Prayer points
1. Father, purge my mind of every worldly, traditional, and ungodly leadership mentality that I might learn Jesus’ pattern in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, make me a person of godly influence to my family and everyone around me, in Jesus’ name
Today’s declarations
1. I follow Jesus’ model of leadership to lead by example, influence, inspiration, and motivation.
2. As a true leader, I know what to do, then I do them first and then teach others to do them.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng