Jesus’ Leadership Principle: Servant-hood

Real readers are in short supply. Constantly, people and groups search for them. Throughout the Bible, God searches for leaders too. And when God does find a person who is ready to lead, to commit and take on responsibility for others, that person is used to the limit. Such leaders still have shortcomings and flaws, but despite of it, they become spiritual leaders. Such were Moses, Gideon, and David.

But when we talk of real leadership, Jesus was the perfect example. He was revolutionary in His teaching on leadership. Jesus used the term servant. This term speaks of low prestige, low respect, and low honor during their times. And most people would not be attracted to such low-value role. But when Jesus used the term, it was a synonym for greatness. And that was a revolutionary idea.

Jesus knew that the idea of a leader as a “loving servant of all” would not appeal to most people. Securing our own comforts is more of our priority but Jesus’ requirement was “servant” for those who want to lead.

Such was a sharp contrast between our common ideas of leadership and Jesus’ idea that it is cleared stated in Mark 10:42-43:

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant 

His teachings on servant-hood was not merely intended to inspire good behavior, but to impart the spirit of servant-hood, the sense of personal commitment and identity that He expresses when Jesus said: “I am among you as He who serves” (Luke 22:17)

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.” (Isaiah 42:1-4)

In Isaiah 42, we read about the attitudes and inner motives that the coming Messiah would demonstrate as the ideal servant of the Lord. The principles of His life would be a pattern ideal for us as men in leading.

1. Dependence

Here is my servant, whom I uphold (Isaiah 42:1)

This verse speaks of the coming Messiah. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy by coming here on Earth and made himself nothing. (Philippians 2:7). He surrendered all of His God-nature privileges and became dependent on His heavenly Father. Jesus full identified himself with our humanity.

As leaders, do we strive to become “empty” of our self and depend on God? If you do, the Holy Spirit will use us. 

2. Approval

My chosen one in whom I delight (Isaiah 42:1)

God took great delight in Jesus as He also took delight in God. It was reciprocal not one-way. Do we delight or desire ourselves in Him and His will? Psalm 40:8 says we should: I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.

3. Modesty

He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. (Isaiah 42:2)

Jesus’ style of leadership is not flamboyant nor loud. In fact, it is self-effacing. A very drastic contrast to the kind of leadership we see today in our society. It was so quiet and unobtrusive that many doubted His very existence. Furthermore, Jesus exemplifies the very description of God found in Isaiah 45:15: Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior. 

Do you exhibit such character when you lead people? What are your motives in desiring leadership? Is it to be recognized by people or to please our Heavenly Father? Check your heart.

4. Empathy

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. (Isaiah 42:3)

Jesus is sympathetic with the weak, and merciful with those who sin. How often do we call out people who fail or even think negatively towards them. But the ideal servant leader does not run over those who are weak and failing. Jesus mends our bruises and fans our weak spirit into a flame. For God, it is a noble work to reclaim (save) the world’s downtrodden people.

As leaders, ask yourselves, are we quick to judge people in their failures? or do we exhibit empathy like Jesus?

5. Optimism

He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. (Isaiah 42:4)

Pessimism and leadership are at opposite end of life’s attitudes. Hope and optimism are essential qualities of a servant leader who battles over the powers of darkness over the souls of men and women. He encourages everyone to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12) An ideal servant leader is optimistic until every part of God’s work is done. 

As leaders, do we show optimism and hopefulness even if situations are not going your way?

6. Anointing

I will put my Spirit on him (Isaiah 42:1)

None of these leadership qualities – dependence, approval, modesty, empathy, or optimism – are enough for the task. Without the touch of the supernatural, these qualities are meaningless and will be dry as dust. Jesus’ ministry began when the Spirit descended at His baptism. (Acts 10:37-38)

As leaders, can we be able to lead others without the Spirit of God working through us at every step? God offers us the same anointing. Choose to follow Jesus and the Spirit will show us more of our Heavenly Father!