“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5)

Recently, when I was preparing to speak to a group of women about leadership, I did a word study on servant and shepherd. Each word is synonymous, and each is certainly descriptive of Jesus. As I considered how Jesus modeled leadership, I was reminded of His character traits:

Humble – To be aware of my own sin/weaknesses and pray for transformation
Trusting – In God, His will, and His sovereignty for my life and ministry
Visionary – Go out ahead of others and cast a vision, as Jesus did
Expect Criticism – Not aim to please others or seek approval, but be teachable
Develop Others – Be able to encourage and train up people
Accountable – Have a wise mentor/coach to be my partner and hold me accountable

Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve others. He took the ultimate step of humility by being mocked and beaten, and taking our sins to the cross. He trusted the will of His Father above all, and He knew that His ministry was not in vain. He was able to teach a group of men what the Gospel message was all about, and to prepare the way for them evangelize to thousands.

Jesus did not try and be all things to all people, but He understood that He and His message would be criticized, rejected by some, and even create a divide at times. By working alongside and coaching 12 men, Jesus prepared them and encouraged them for the future trials they would face. Jesus looked to His Father to guide Him, and He in turn held others to a standard that He set.

Jesus, I desire to be a humble servant and a model leader as You were and are. Please show me areas of my life where I need change and transformation, and make me more like You. Amen.

Take Action

Read these passages of Scripture: Mark 10:42-45, Matthew 23:8-12, and Matthew 9:35-38. Make a list of character traits that you are modeling after Jesus, and those that need your attention.



Tags: serve leadership