A Good Leader – The Position, Calling, and Example of Jesus
- Pr Enos Mwakalindile
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
“Not to rule over them, but to serve them.” (Mark 10:45; Matthew 20:25–28)
🌱 Introduction
What kind of leader do we want to follow and become? The one who builds respect through fear and authority, or the one who attracts hearts with love and service? The Bible and history teach us this difference. Pharaoh oppressed the Israelites with an iron hand (Exodus 1:8–14), but Moses led them with tears, prayers, and humility (Numbers 12:3). This is the path of divine leadership.
The Church has also had two examples: Diotrephes exalted himself and oppressed others (3 John 1:9), but Paul humbled himself, saying, “I make myself a servant of all so that I might win many” (1 Corinthians 9:19). In Jesus, we see the pinnacle of true leadership: He washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:5), changing the meaning of greatness from a crown to a cross.
Expected Outcomes:
To recognize Jesus as the ultimate model of leadership.
To evaluate one's individual calling as a leader of God’s people.
To receive a new vision concerning the position and direction of spiritual service.
To make an inner transformation towards leadership that serves with love.
📖 Biblical Foundations and Spiritual Explanations
Jesus – The Humble Leader
Matthew 20:26–28
“But it will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you, must be your servant.”
Jesus changed the criteria for greatness. While the world saw greatness as the power to oppress, Jesus saw greatness as love that humbles itself. He washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:5), choosing the cross instead of a crown. This is an invitation to a spiritual revolution: to be strong is not to command, but to surrender oneself.
The Calling to Lead is a Calling to Serve
Ephesians 4:11–12
“And He gave some to be apostles... to equip the saints for the work of ministry...”
Spiritual leadership is not a title for self-exaltation, but a position to uplift others. Paul said that God gave leaders to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.” This is a service of uplifting others to fulfill God’s purpose. Like Jesus, a true leader is a bridge, not a barrier.
A Leader Recognizes Themselves in the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:27–28
“Now you are the body of Christ... and God has appointed some in the church...”
No leader is self-sufficient; all are members of one body. The position of leadership is not by might but by grace. A good leader sees every member as a valuable part. This is the example of Paul who honored every gift, knowing that service is about collaboration, not domination.
A Leader is Built by Vision, Not Fear
Habakkuk 2:2–3
“Write the vision and make it plain... The vision will be fulfilled...”
A leader of God walks by vision, not fear. Fear constrains, but vision opens the way. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” Thus, a true leader is guided by God’s light, knowing that a title can be lost, but faithfulness to God is eternal.
A Leader Learns, Accepts Criticism, and Matures
Proverbs 9:9
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser...”
A true leader is not perfect but a student who continues to grow. Jesus himself grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). Peter was criticized, Paul was advised, Timothy was taught. Christ-like leadership is a journey of listening, accepting correction, and maturing in grace.
🛐 Application of the Lesson in Life
Pray: Lord, teach me to be a leader of the cross, not of a crown.
Read: John 13:1–17 – Jesus washes the feet of His disciples.
Share: Listen to someone else’s challenges this week and advise them with love.
Do: Consider your position – is it a platform for self-exaltation or a bridge to uplift others?
🤔 Questions for Reflection
What things make you afraid to humble your status as a leader?
Do you see church members as parts of the body of Christ or as people to serve you?
Where did your calling to lead begin, and do you still hear it?
Who is advising you today, and have you given them the space to speak the truth to you?
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples – what "feet" are you called to wash today?
🙌 Final Blessing
May the Lord of glory, who descended to become a servant,
cover you with the grace of humility and divine courage.
May He give you a heart of vision, a heart of listening, and a heart of joyful service.
May you rise to be a true leader – one who carries the cross instead of the crown.
Be blessed and guided. Amen.
📢 Invitation
We invite you, our readers, to share your feedback on this lesson and discuss it with friends. Share this article so that others may also learn and be blessed.
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