Leaders
What is the secret to strong, effective leadership?
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. - Matthew 16:13-20
Jesus was the kind of leader who had the respect of his team.
He could do anything and everything, but that doesn't make him a good leader. He also had to inspire his followers to do as he did.
Jesus knew that if he focused on himself, letting everyone know he is the Messiah, then all will expect him to be the source of salvation.
But Jesus wants us to save ourselves.
We need to be the ones who make the decisions. We have to choose God above all else, even though God's grace is freely available.
If we cannot stand on our own two feet, what will become of us in this world and in the kingdom?
When Peter shows that he understands, Jesus puts him in charge of the group. You will be my rock, he tells him.
From that point on, Peter will be the leader. Jesus has accomplished his goal.
So, how do we emulate Jesus in this regard? How do we prepare those we lead to lead in our place?
We need to shift the focus from us to them.
Sounds easy, but it isn't. So long as we are around, they will defer to us.
Instead, we need to create space and opportunity for them to shine.
That is our mission as leaders. We need to stop leading and start serving.
More to come...