When we look at Jesus and his leadership, we can see a man who leads with compassion,
power, purpose, priorities, and paces himself in everything he does. Even though he knew the
outcome, he continued to lead by example and follow his destined purpose. We will explore and
see the examples of just how Jesus lived with purpose and set priorities, how he paced himself
throughout his journey and gave compassion to those who did not deserve it, leading with a
passion for being the flesh of God with the power of God inside of him giving him the authority
to carry out his ultimate purpose.
One of the stories we shall explore is when Jesus was a child. In Luke 2:48-50 it states,
“48And when his parents[g]=saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son,
why have you treated us so? Behold,=your father and I have been searching for you in great
distress.”=49And he said to them,=“Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that=I must
be in=my Father's house?”[h]=50And=they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.”1
When we look at this passage, we can see that Jesus already knew who his father was even
though his earthly father was present. We must understand that Jesus was the fleshly presence of
God. Though his leadership was something that we can not simply understand, we must be able
to say that even though unconventional, Jesus led to glorifying God and saving people. That was
his purpose, and as we read the bible, we can see his stories of doing just that. Howell states, “In
the first place, Jesus communicated to them a theology of the kingdom of God that has two
defining moments, an inaugural one and a consummative one. His perfect life and vicarious
death inaugurates the rule of God over the hearts of those who respond to the person of Jesus
with faith and repentance.”2 When Jesus was conceived, we often hear how Mary was visited by
1” Luke 2:48-50,” The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016.
2 Howell, Don N.=Servants of the Servant : A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock
Publishers, 2003. p. 130
Gabriel, an angel sent by God, told Mary she would conceive a baby who would change the
world, which he did.
Jesus already knew his purpose and he knew the outcome. Yet, he made sure to give time
for rest and gave God the ability to do good works through the power and authority God had
given him. Howell states, “Jesus began his ministry in Galilee with the proclamation: “The time
has reached fulfillment, the kingdom of God has drawn near. Repent and believe in the good
news” (Mk 1:15). The eschatological season anticipated by the Old Testament prophets has
arrived. The promised kingdom of God is dawning. The precondition for entering God’s
kingdom is faith and repentance. As his ministry unfolds it will become clear that the kingdom
Jesus introduces is in some sense present (Mt 12:28–29; Lk 17:20–21) and yet awaits a future
consummation (Mt 6:10; Lk 19:11).”3 We see that every move made by Jesus was purposeful
and gave him proof of who he was to the people who did not believe. It ultimately fulfilled a
purpose that he was sent to do, which was to bring people to follow God and to save them. As
we reflect on who Jesus was and how he led, let us not forget that he picked the lowly of men to
follow him, knowing that they were murderers and thieves who sinned against all God was.
Howell proves this stating, “Luke records the miraculous catch of fish when Peter, having
labored all night in vain, let down the nets at the Lord’s command. The large haul symbolized the
unimaginable catch of people that will result for the kingdom fisherman who goes about the task
under the direction of the Lord (Lk 5:4–7, 10). However, as will become clear, the lavish harvest
(to switch back to the more common agricultural metaphor) will not come with mechanical
submission to a command, but with tireless sowing, personal sacrifice, fearless confession, and
3 Howell, Don N.=Servants of the Servant : A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock
Publishers, 2003.p.132
the suffering and perhaps even death of the harvesters. The disciples have taken the first steps in
that direction.”4 Imagine being Peter and being told to fish in a spot after a night of nothing. Yet,
Jesus comes along and proves his power and authority by giving direction to Peter and filling his
nets with fish.
We see Jesus choosing the most broken people to be a part of his journey to his purpose.
Letting them bear witness to everything he did. Howell mentions John the Baptist, stating, “John
the Baptist had been imprisoned in the fortress of Machaerus, east of the Dead Sea, for his
condemnation of Herod Antipas’ adultery with Herodias (Lk 3:19–20). While languishing in
prison, John began to have doubts about Jesus’ messianic identity. This is surprising in light of
his earlier confession of Jesus as the lamb of God (Jn 1:29, 36).” Imagine doubting Jesus and
then being chosen as the man to baptize him. It goes against everything this world tells us to do,
which is to distance ourselves from those who doubt us and prove them wrong.
When we see Jesus and look at how he paced himself along his journey, we can recall
him resting and going off to have time with his father alone, though he never rushed; he kept his
path and, while he rested, allowed his disciples to go forth and continue the work needed. He
trusted the people who he knew would ultimately turn their backs, which would lead to his death.
When I reflect of how Jesus led, it challenges me to my core. I am a leader at my job,
and though I have been blamed, mocked and ridiculed, I will continue to serve my people and
make sure they have what they need to do their works just as Jesus did with his disciples. It will
never be easy to live a calling in a world that is sinful, but I will continue to live my purpose the
4 Howell, Don N.=Servants of the Servant : A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock
Publishers, 2003.p.132
5 Ibid. p135
way God leads and intends for me. I will continue to put God above all things and have faith in
my calling. I continue to look at my life before God, and look at my life with God, and allow it
to humble me and reassure that every bit of my journey and where I am in my leadership has and
will bring glory to God which was the ultimate purpose for Jesus. To save people and bring them
into a relationship with God through salvation.
