Leadership Style of Jesus Part III

Binhi sang Pagtuo

August 23, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Our reflection for this week is Part III of the leadership style of Jesus. In the last two issues of our weekly reflection, I already presented the acrostic message for the letters LEADERS (Loving and Compassionate, Exemplary Plan and Mission, Appealing and Charismatic, Delegation and Discipleship, Elevates the status of the marginalized, Resists Temptation, Seeks the will of God). Now, let me add the next three letters HIP to finish the word LEADERSHIP.

H – Humble

John 13:2-17 tells how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. It is a great illustration on how humble Jesus was. Mark 10:35-45 is a great reminder on what kind of leader Jesus expects us to be. In these verses, James and John, the sons of Zebedee demanded a favor from Jesus that both of them should be seated in the left and right side of the glorious throne of Jesus.

These two disciples were seeking popularity and the glory attached to it. The ten disciples who heard of this request got angry. Were they angry because they too wanted to be in the right or left side, or were they angry because they know that this is not the style of Jesus? I don’t know of the answer to that question but Jesus called them together to clarify his kind of leadership. Jesus said not to be like the Gentile leaders who lord over the people instead they must become humble like a servant for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.

I – Immerses in the situation

One cannot be a good leader if he/she will not immerse him/herself in the context where he/she is leading. Jesus is our great example. John 1:14 tells us that God became human. God was incarnated in the person of Jesus. Jesus became one of us. In doing so, he knows our struggles, our fears and worries. He went through all the hardships that humans are experiencing. The importance of incarnation is that Jesus understands us.

Leaders must incarnate themselves also in his/her context and also on the lives of his/her followers. By doing so, the organization will run smoothly and without much conflict because the followers know that you are one of them. This is the reason why Jesus emphasized that we must become the “salt of the earth.” The salt can only be tasted if it is immersed and is no more to be seen. Though it cannot be seen, the taste can be found everywhere.

P – Provides space

Providing space means being open to others and welcoming mistakes. The story in Mark 9:38-41 exemplifies this kind of attitude. “Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.”

The 12 disciples thought all the while that they were the only disciples of Jesus. Jesus reminded them that there are others who are working for the realization of the kingdom of God. Jesus welcomed their mistake and taught them to be open to other people. When you are open, you never lose the spirit of a learner. The saying says, “when the tree stops growing, the fruit starts to rot.”

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on