Jesus on Leadership
Texts: Matthew 18:1-5; Mark 9:33-37; 46-50; Luke 9:33-37; 46-50; Luke 22:20-30; Mark 10:35-45; Matthew 20:20-28
There are several major themes which are part of the Gospel narratives. They are the arrival and ministry of Jesus, the introduction of a new kind of kingdom and Jesus’ training of the 12. As Jesus is presenting himself and his kingdom he is also teaching and modeling faith and leadership for the 12 since they will take up the mantle of leadership after his departure.
“Kingdom” to the Jews and to the 12 meant a nation, land, power and authority. Since Jesus chose the 12 to be with him and learn from him it was natural that they would consider their place in the new kingdom to be one of great importance. It was this human desire for a place of power, position and influence that prompted them on several occasions to argue among themselves as to who “would be the greatest.”
“GREATNESS”
When Jesus spoke of greatness he did not think it terms of position, power and prominence. Jesus’ words remind us that greatness is about relationship with other people. The “greatest” command is to love one another. Paul would wrote later that the greatest attribute beyond even faith and hope was love (1 Cor. 13:13). It was the humble, servant nature of Jesus which exalted him (Philippians 2:6-9). Jesus redefined greatness and shared this new perspective with the 12.
Mark 9:33-37/Luke 9:46-50/Matthew 18:1-4
As Jesus and 12 were traveling they argued about “who was the greatest” (v34). Jesus outlines the attributes of the great:
- “Anyone who wants to be first must be very last”
- “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me…”
It is clear that greatness has to do with the subjugation of self which Jesus exemplified when he did not consider “equality with God something to be held on to but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:5-7). Not being first and being welcoming to the “least” is Jesus’ first lesson to the 12 regarding leadership. According to Jesus greatness is tied to a welcoming spirit. In Luke 9:49-50 Jesus addresses a spirit of exclusiveness among the 12. Another person was casting out demons but it was not them. It is obvious they felt challenged and wanted the glory and credit to lie with them and not others. Their view of greatness had created an exclusive spirit and Jesus teaches them the true meaning of greatness, being inclusive. Welcoming those whom we see as a challenge and embracing the “least,” little children. Matthew (18:4) makes the point very clear; greatness is achieved by taking the “lowly position of a child.”
Mark 10:35-45; Matthew 20:20-28; Luke 22:24
James and John illustrate the opposite of the nature about which Jesus exemplified and spoke. It is obvious in these passages that the 12 were dedicatedto seeking power and position in the kingdom of Jesus. James and John, enlisting the influence of their mother (Matthew 20:20) come to Jesus with requests which exhibit a self serving attitude:
- “do for us whatever we ask” (Mk. 10:35) – prominence
- “sit at your right and the other at your left” (37) – position
- Enlisting mother – politics and influence
Jesus first addresses this request with reference to the “cup” and “baptism” which he must undergo. As we know, the cup and baptism of Jesus refer to the cross and his suffering at Calvary. The greatness of Jesus, his exaltation (Philippians 2:9), came as a result of humility, service and sacrifice, not position, power and politics.
Matthew 20:24 gives a glimpse into another facet of the story. “When the ten heard about this they were indignant with the two brothers.” Perhaps their ongoing argument about greatness led them to believe James and John had tried to achieve an advantage. If this is the case all of them needed the lesson Jesus proceeds to teach about leadership, Matthew 20:25-27:
- It is not about ruling…
- It is not about lording…
- It is not about authority…
- It is about service and being servants…
- It is not about being first…
- It is about being a slave…
Jesus ends with this, “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). Later the Apostle Peter, who heard this lesson, would remind the people to whom he wrote about this teaching (1 Peter 5:1-4).
The Last Message and Example Luke 22:20-30/John 13
It is at the Last Supper that Jesus begins a long discourse to the 12 about his departure, their ministry and the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is at the Supper, Jesus introduction to the discourse (read the full discourse in John 13-17), that he “…now showed them the full extent of his love” (John 13:10). Jesus takes a towel, as they ate, and washes their feet. Peter objects, but Jesus emphasizes that it is essential (13:9). He tells them that they should do to others what he has done to them.
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done…no servant is greater than his master…now that you know these things you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:15-17).
Surprisingly it is in this context that Luke records the same dispute about greatness continuing (Luke 22:24-30). Once again, at the beginning of Jesus’ last great discourse he reminds them about the true nature of leadership:
- Kings and Gentiles lord it over…
- They become Benefactors who exercise authority…
“But you are not to be like that”
- Be like the youngest…
- Like the one who serves…
- Not the one at the table but the waiter…
It is at this moment that Jesus “confers” on them a kingdom. They do have position and influence and power. They will sit on thrones and judge Israel. However, they have been taught by the Servant how to sit and judge. They are to be servants,they are to be last, like little lowly children.
We learn to lead as Jesus taught the 12 to lead. In the kingdom it must not be about power, position, authority and lording. Leaders are not Benefactors who stand over and give to others. Jesus’ leaders are the waiters, not those who sit at the table. It is certainly not about GREATNESS.