The Leadership Style Of Jesus

THE LEADERSHIP STYLE OF JESUS

(Mark 9.33-37)

I. Look at how Jesus CONFRONTS the PROBLEM with His disciples…

"Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?”

But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest."

(Mark 9:33-34, NKJV)

A. First of all, (catch this) He does not confront the Person (people) – but He confronts the Problem

1. If there is a problem in our home or at work or at church, and we come in and start confronting people on a personal level…what is going to be the natural reaction? *(A Wall Of Defensiveness Is Going To Be Raised High)

2. ILLUS: If I go up to someone and confront them physically, they are going to feel like (rightly so) that they are being ‘attacked’ and their natural response is going to be - *[Fight or Flight]

a. A person is either going to ‘Run’

b. …or they are going to ‘Fight Back’

3. When there is a problem that exists (no matter how big or small) it is always better to stand ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ with someone and you both examine the problem…than it is to stand ‘Nose to Nose’ and argue the problem

a. The ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ approach is a WIN WINN proposition

b. But the ‘Nose to Nose’ approach is a WIN=LOSE proposition (actually, a LOSE=LOSE; ex: husband & wife argument; parent & child argument; boss & employee argument)

B. We see that Jesus (wisely) chooses to ask a simple question –

(v.33b) “What was it you disputed (discussed) among yourselves on the road?”

1. the first thing this question did was to let the disciples know that Jesus was watching them *(a good leader is aware of what’s going on)

2. the second thing this question did was to let the disciples know that Jesus was waiting for an answer *(a good leader makes those under him accountable)

a. By the way, all of us are accountable to someone

b. And, we all need that accountability *(none of us are so spiritual; so mature that we do not need what accountability gives us – {parameters; boundaries})

C. And, the disciples ‘answer’ Jesus’ question –

(v.34a) “But they kept silent”

1. Silence is a definite answer

2. The disciples thought that by not saying anything they were hiding something from Jesus, but nothing could be further from truth *(shows their ignorance about who Jesus is)

D. When the disciples don’t step up and acknowledge their wrong attitudes…Jesus takes the next step as a Christian Leader *(He is not afraid to ‘Correct’ them)

II. Notice how Jesus CORRECTS the POSITION of His disciples…

"And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”"

(Mark 9:35, NKJV)

A. You see, what the disciples were really discussing was, “Which one of us is most important?”

B. Jesus ‘Corrects’ their corrupt mindset regarding how the Kingdom of God works

1. Our earthly mindset is one of gaining a higher and higher position from hard work or, better yet, ‘who you know’

2. Jesus says to them, “guys, you have it all wrong”

C. Notice Jesus’ words to them in correcting them –

1. His words are DIRECT (to the point)

“If anyone desires to be first”

2. His words are DRAMATIC (new, challenging concepts)

“first…shall be last”

3. His words are DECISIVE (not just a good idea, but the way it is – like it or not)

“(the) last (shall be) servant of all”

4. And, His words (could be considered) DEVISIVE (He ran the risk)

a. Risk – some might like & accept what He was saying

b. Risk – some (or all) might not like or accept what He was saying

D. But Jesus, as a strong leader, was a man of truth…and the truth is not to be compromised, regardless how many like it or not

III. And, finally, see how Jesus COMMUNICATES the POINT to His disciples…

A. First, He MODELS the point

"Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them,"

(Mark 9:36, NKJV)

B. Then, He MAKES the point

"“Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”"

(Mark 9:37, NKJV)

1. (Revolutionary) – In essence, Jesus said to His disciples (which means He is also instructing us today) that there is NO SUCH THING as ‘Direct’ Service to God…instead, there is only ‘Indirect’ Service to God