Leading with Authority

I’m old enough to recall a television ad campaign from the 1970’s & 80’s with the tagline, “When E.F. Hutton speaks, people listen.” The context of the ads revolved around conversations focusing on investment decisions that were being overheard in a variety of settings and the climax would highlight one actor saying, “Well, my broker is E.F. Hutton, and E.F. Hutton says…” Whether the setting was a subway car, an office building or a restaurant, for example, all those within earshot would turn and look at the speaker giving E.F. Hutton’s investment advice. The fact that I can recall these ads some 50 years later speaks to their effectiveness.

Have you ever noticed that Jesus spoke with that same kind of authority? The gospel writer, Matthew, records what is referred to as the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5-7 of his biography of Jesus. At the conclusion of what would have been hours of teaching, the author adds the comment that contrasts Jesus' way of teaching compared to the religious leaders of the day.

In my mind, this is just one example of how differently Jesus led his followers while he was on earth. It was counterintuitive, to say the least. Think about another passage of Scripture that highlights the difference, specifically the night he was arrested prior to his crucifixion as recorded in Luke 22. Here are just a few examples:

• Verse 26 - “...the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.”
• Verses 49-51 - “And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.”
• Verses 63-65 - “The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” And they said many other insulting things to him.”

Essentially, Christ led with authority but not with conventional earthly power. That’s largely why the Jewish people of his day couldn’t accept the fact that he was Messiah. He did not deal with their oppressors, he did not raise an army or lead a rebellion, he did not seek glory for himself while on earth - all the kinds of things typical leaders would do, both then and now. What an inspiration for us today as we observe one after another of our political leaders flounder, feebly clinging to power with no authority.

Jesus, remind me daily of how you led your disciples, with humility and love. Thank you that you were willing to make yourself nothing, becoming a servant to the very people you came to save. Help me live that way each day.

Throughout this day: Look for ways that earthly leaders make decisions or conduct themselves in ways that the world would consider weak and examine the impact of their leadership.