Unit 2. Jesus, the Ideal Servant Leader
“What would Jesus do?”
Any servant leader needs a champion, a model to go by. As a Christian practicing servant leadership, why not Christ? Jesus is the ideal, and a journey through the events of His life and instruction very naturally points out the fundamental principles of servant leadership. “What would Jesus do?” That is the issue; whether as a WWJD bracelet for many contemporary Christians; or a life-challenging question from Charles M. Sheldon’s novel, “In His Steps.”
Activity 2
Put yourself on a journey with Jesus. At this point in your journey, how would you assess your development as a leader? This unit will present several events/principles in the life of Jesus. Open the Survey, save the document to your computer, and assess yourself as to how your own life and leadership exhibit, and are committed to, these ideals. Rate yourself 1 (low) to 5 (high). For now use these events and principles discovered in the life of Jesus as your “standard.” Open My Notes to add any important comments or insights about your present journey, or your understanding of Christ’s journey.
1. Development: The Nazareth Principle
Jesus’ development as a leader was:
- formal and informal;
- from youth throughout life;
- from instruction and experience;
- from intuition and interdependence;
- and demonstrates balance and wholeness (see Luke 2:39-40, Luke 2:49-52).
He grew in:
- self-understanding (see Luke 2:49)
- personally and with family (see Luke 2:39, 51)
- physically (“grew”) (see Luke 2:52) and became strong (2:40)
- socially, in stature, maturity and standing, “in favor with men” (see Luke 2:52)
- intellectually, growing in wisdom (see Luke 2:40, 52)
- spiritually, in favor with God (Luke 2:40, 52).
2. Relationship:
The Jordan Principle (see Luke 3:21-22)
Jesus demonstrated the servant leader’s primary relationship is a love relationship with God, a living relationship through the Holy Spirit. The imagination of any great enterprise requires the direction and power of the Holy Spirit, often coming with the quietness of a dove.
3. Preparedness:
The Desert Principle (see Matt. 4:1-11)
As a servant leader, Jesus prepared for vocation and life, at the front end and along the pathway, by depending on God (see Matt. 4:1):
- for physical provision (the bread)
- for spiritual means (the temple)
- for eternal consequences (the mountain)
- and for continual nurture (the angels)
4. Purpose:
The Homecoming Principle (see Luke 4:17-21)
Jesus had a very clear picture — biblical, profound and challenging — of His purpose in life, His mission on earth.
5. Discipleship:
The Personnel Principle (see Matt. 4:19-20; Matt. 10:37-39)
Because Jesus chose to do His kingdom work with and through others, His call to come and follow Him, to bear His cross, to be on His team, requires a lifetime of discipleship and service. To lead others, we must first follow Him.
6. Kingdom:
The Mountain Principle (see Matt. 6:19-24, 33, Commentary)
Jesus experienced the transcending provision and true satisfaction of the whole-hearted service and single-minded pursuit of the kingdom of God. He taught His disciples to serve in this manner.
7. Service:
The Towel Principle (see John 13:1, 4-5, Commentary)
Jesus, at a high feast of worship, expressed enduring love for His disciples by washing their travel weary, dusty feet, and drying them with a towel, forever giving us the model and symbol of servant leadership.
8. Mutual Love:
The Radical Principle (see John 13:34-35)
Jesus led His followers by loving them and, out of that love, drawing them to love one another in such a way that it demonstrates that they are His disciples.
9. Confrontation:
The Temple Principle (see Matt. 21:12-13)
Jesus usually expressed His leadership through nurture, acceptance, and encouragement; but He knew when and how to confront those who intentionally broke the higher spiritual laws of God.
10. Redemption:
The Cross Principle (John 19:16-18)
In the pattern of the highest order of servant leadership, Jesus pursued the way of the cross: its burden and its death, in the midst of those He loved, pursuing the high mission of their salvation.
11. Power:
The Resurrection Principle (Matt. 28:6-7; Acts 1:8)
In God’s power, Jesus overcame death and the grave to arise as our living Christ, to send us out in His power and to be His witnesses throughout His world.
12. Commission:
The World Principle (Matt. 28:16-20)
Jesus commissioned His followers to go into all the world, to make and baptize disciples, to teach obedience to His commandments, and to enjoy His enduring presence. That is the high road of servant leadership!
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