Leadership

INTRODUCTION

The topic at hand today is one that I love to discuss: the subject of leadership.

When the disciples were with Jesus, they thought Jesus would be a worldly leader who would deliver Israel from Roman rule.

They anticipated Jesus sitting on the throne in Jerusalem, ruling the world, and they all wanted to be a part of that action.

Let's look at Mark 10:35-41 for some context.

This conversation takes place after Jesus predicts His death for the third time.

Mark 10:35–41 (NET 2nd ed.)

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

36 He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”

37 They said to him, “Permit one of us to sit at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.”

38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I experience?”

39 They said to him, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I experience,

40 but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

41 Now when the other ten heard this, they became angry with James and John.

For informational purposes, In Matthew's Gospel, in Matthew 20:20, Matthew says that the mother of James and John, Salome, was the one who brought her boys to Jesus.

Mark says the boys made the request, while Matthew tells us it was their mother.

The boys made the request through the medium of their mother; they requested her to ask it for them.

Did the boys want to lead, or did they seek power?

When people run for office or seek a promotion to be bosses at work, what is their motivation for wanting the position?

Are they seeking to lead, or are they seeking power?

Jesus knows the hearts of his disciples, so he uses this opportunity to teach them the difference between the leadership the world has modeled for them and the type of leader Jesus expects them to be.

Let’s read Mark 10:41-42.

Mark 10:41–42 (NET 2nd ed.)

41 Now when the other ten heard this, they became angry with James and John.

42 Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions use their authority over them.

SERMON

I. The principle of worldly leadership.

I love the scene where James and John got Mommy to ask Jesus if they can sit at the right and left hand of Jesus once Jesus takes over.

Verse 41 says that when the others heard this, they became angry at James and John.

Why were the other disciples angry?

Most likely, they wanted the same thing, but James and John beat them to the punch!

Jesus knows the hearts of these men, so He calls them together so He can use this event as a teaching moment.

Why do people want to lead?

There are a couple of options.

One, they want to make things better, they want to help others reach their potential, which, in turn will be a win for everyone.

The other reason for someone to desire to lead is POWER!

Jesus points out this type of leader in verse 42.

The worldly model for leadership involves the desire to have and use power.

The person who seeks power is a slave to that power; they will say anything and do anything to keep their power.

The worldly leader has no convictions and will say whatever they have to say to keep power, even if what they now say contradicts what they have said in the recent past.

Jesus senses His disciples are seeking greatness through power.

Mark 10:42 (NET 2nd ed.)

42 Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions use their authority over them.

Jesus tells His disciples that the recognized leaders of the Gentiles when they are given the privilege of leading, use their power to oppress people.

The power-hungry person will do whatever they need to do to keep hold of their power.

Mark Moore points to two examples from the days of Jesus, Pilate and Herod.

Herod was forced into killing John the Baptist because he was manipulated by a conniving wife who wanted John dead.

Herod would have never done what he did to John if he was not addicted to power.

Pilate looked for a way he could to avoid having Jesus killed.

Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent; he even offered up a terrible criminal next to Jesus, thinking the people would release Jesus.

Once the Jewish leader pulled the, you are no friend of Jesus card; he was blackmailed into having Jesus crucified.

You see, Pilate wanted to remain in power, so he was powerless to do what he knew was right.

The last thing you want is a boss who lords it over you or political leaders who want to hold on to or obtain power by any means necessary.

I worked with folks who climbed the corporate ladder by climbing over the backs of people they stabbed along the way.

I worked for some bosses who made sure to let you know they were in charge.

They were terrible to work for, and no one respected them.

George Washington may have been the only President who did not lust for power.

He could have been President until the day he died, but after two terms, he stepped aside.

Leaders should reject authoritarian and domineering leadership styles in favor of more relational and service-oriented approaches, which Jesus offers.

Let's move to verse 43.

Mark 10:43 (NET 2nd ed.)

43 But it is not this way among you. Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant,

II. The principle of servant leadership.

Jesus offers a better way to lead.

Authentic leadership is characterized by serving others rather than seeking to be served.

Leaders are called to prioritize the needs and well-being of those they lead.

In the cultural context of the time, greatness was typically associated with power, authority, and being served by others.

Leaders, especially rulers, and high officials were often seen as those who exercised control and command.

Jesus overturns this conventional understanding by stating that true greatness comes from becoming a servant.

This reversal challenges both the societal norms of His time and the natural human desire for power and prestige.

The focus of servant leadership is not on being served but instead on serving others.

The word SERVANT is the same word we translate as deacon.

A deacon is a servant.

The better way to lead is to serve those you lead, not to lord it over them.

By using this term, Jesus emphasizes that leadership in His kingdom involves actively seeking the welfare of others and putting their needs and interests above their own.

A servant leader prioritizes the needs and well-being of those they lead.

They see leadership as an opportunity to empower and uplift others rather than a means to gain personal power or prestige.

This mindset requires humility, empathy, and a genuine desire to see others succeed and flourish.

The servant leader model will positively impact those you lead and your entire organization.

Servant leadership creates a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and trust.

It encourages a focus on collective success and well-being rather than individual achievement.

This approach can increase team members' engagement, motivation, and satisfaction, as they feel supported and valued by their leaders.

By prioritizing service, leaders inspire others to adopt similar values, creating a ripple effect that transforms the broader community or organization.

The most significant benefit is that you would be modeling the leadership model of Jesus.

The concept of a leader asking how I can help you grow and reach your potential can be life-changing.

When those you lead feel and know they are valued, it will inspire loyalty and the desire to do their best work.

Servant leadership, as taught by Jesus in Mark 10:43, challenges leaders to redefine their roles by focusing on service rather than power.

What does servant leadership look like?

Let's move to verse 44.

Mark 10:44 (NET 2nd ed.)

44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all.

III. The principle of sacrificial service.

True greatness involves a willingness to put others first and serve selflessly, even to the point of becoming a "slave" to others.

This underscores the importance of humility and self-sacrifice in leadership.

In verse 44, Jesus says that whoever wants to be first must be a slave to all.

The word "slave" implies a lower and more menial service than does the word "servant" in verse 43.

Just as “first" in verse 44 involves a higher position than "great" does in verse 43.

Verse 44 punctuates what Jesus said in verse 43!

Jesus uses the term "slave" to describe the kind of service He expects from His followers.

This term refers to a bondservant, someone who has given up their rights to serve another.

A leader embracing sacrificial service views leadership as a vocation to serve and uplift others.

They are committed to the well-being and success of those they lead, often putting their own interests aside.

Sacrificial leaders make decisions that benefit their followers, even if it means foregoing their own comfort or advantage.

The principle of sacrificial service says I am looking out for you; it is not all about me.

The principle of sacrificial leadership inspires people to follow you; a leader who understands sacrificial leadership will inspire others to greatness.

This principle leads to our final principle found in verse 45.

Mark 10:45 (NET 2nd ed.)

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

IV. The principle of leading by example.

Jesus exemplifies servant leadership by serving others and ultimately sacrificing His life.

Leaders are called to model the values and behaviors they wish to see in their followers.

Jesus did not just talk the talk; He walked the walk!

Think about this: the SON OF GOD was here, and He did not conduct Himself in a manner that He asked His followers to do what He would not model.

Jesus could have demanded and forced people to serve Him, but He did not come for that purpose.

He came to give His life to pay the price so we could be saved!

Jesus exemplifies the principle of leading by example through His life and mission.

He did not seek power or authority for Himself, but instead, He lived a life of service and sacrifice for others.

His actions consistently aligned with His teachings, demonstrating integrity and authenticity in His leadership.

Leaders who lead by example inspire trust and respect.

They demonstrate consistency between their words and actions, embodying the values they wish to see in their followers.

Do you want to follow someone who asks things of you that they would never do?

Sometimes, I get upset at Dr. Lloyd Pelfrey.

Dr. Pelfrey was a long-time president of CCCB, and he served in other capacities for decades.

One day, I was in the restroom, and someone had left a paper towel on the floor.

I saw Dr. Pelfrey stoop down, pick up the paper towel, and throw it in the trash.

Now, I cannot leave a room with a paper towel on the floor without picking it up.

CONCLUSION

James and John wanted power, and the other disciples wanted power, too, but James and John beat them to the punch.

Jesus did not rebuke them for wanting to lead.

Instead, He taught them what real greatness WAS.

Do you want to inspire people and become a servant leader in whatever area of influence you have?