Leading Up, Down and Around
Jesus on Leadership
For so long, I feel as if I’ve been told—subtly and not-so-subtly—that leadership is the key or catalyst to reaching the pinnacle of success.
Perhaps you have too.
Think about it. Being in the C-suite, becoming the president, climbing the ladder, being the Senior Leader or Advisor is a dream that many of us are indoctrinated with on a routine basis.
If we’re not becoming leaders, then are we really doing anything worthy or of substance?
Such is the life and culture of our fast-paced, productive, efficient society.
To be a leader is to be somebody.
The Heart of Leadership
It’s with this context in mind that you’ve probably stumbled upon this teaching.
Who wouldn’t want to learn to lead like Jesus did?
He’s the greatest leader to ever live and I don’t think it’s even close.
And yet, for many who are familiar with the life and teachings of Jesus, his style of leadership was and is so countercultural to the times.
As the brilliant New Testament Scholar, Scot McKnight, points out in his sobering work, A Church Called Tov, Jesus talked about people becoming leaders approximately zero times.[1]
That’s a stunning revelation, isn’t it?
The greatest leader to ever walk this Earth was the exact opposite of a leadership guru. He did not build his base or mission or platform by perfecting, coining or coaching others in the act of leading.
Rather, Jesus’ entire ministry was built on the foundation of opposites with respect to leading.
Jesus focused on service, he focused on others, he focused on love, justice, compassion, kindness, patience, peace, gentleness and presence.
The Dictionary paints a different picture when it comes to the focuses of leadership. Its synonyms include: chief, commander, boss, pioneer, trendsetter, pacemaker, initiator, front runner.[2]
Yikes.
I don’t remember Jesus ever instructing us to seek becoming such things. And yet, for many—myself included—it remains the greatest ambition within our fallen hearts.
Jesus did lead, make no mistake. We’ll get into that soon.
But the heart behind Jesus’ leadership was never about profit, gain or recognition for himself.
Jesus focused on service, he focused on others, he focused on love, justice, compassion, kindness, patience, peace, gentleness and presence.
In fact, I believe the Gospels show clearly that Jesus was the absolute, most authentic version of himself regardless of the situation, context or room he found himself in. His objective was never to promote his earthly platform (because he did promote his heavenly status—rightfully so) but rather to nurture people into a dependence, relationship and followership of God Himself.
Before we get into how Jesus led, it’s important to begin with the understanding of the heart behind or the why behind Jesus’ leadership. It was never about gaining recognition, fame, promotion or glory for himself.
So, if you’re seeking out, “how to become a better leader” with the intention of increasing your platform, your fame, or your clout, you will be greatly disappointed.
I don’t say this with judgement, but rather, with understanding.
For much of my life, I’ve been that person.
I still am that person at times.
It’s difficult to grow out of selfish ambition. Especially when you’re thrust into a leadership role. Especially when the Church, culture or workplace around you has done a poor job promoting and propping up men and women who see themselves more as superheroes than servants.
And yet, as apprentices of Jesus, our call is to lay down our lives, our ambitions, our desires, our wants and needs, and to pick up our cross and follow The Good Shepherd.
So, why talk about leadership then?
Because, in God’s grace, we can still be leaders! Just never the top, the first or the, “frontrunner” leader.
Our mission is to serve God, in whatever capacity He calls us to, with authenticity, dignity and humility. This call is the same for the CEO and the Intern, the Principal and Janitor, the Senior Pastor and the Youth Pastor.
We all have much to learn and glean from Jesus with respect to leadership. However, our understanding can only begin when we’ve come to terms with the fact that we will never be the leader. And if we ever find ourselves in a position where we are, then I’d venture to say Jesus isn’t who he should be—the Lord of our life.
So, with a sobering base to depart from, let’s dig into Jesus on Leadership
Jesus Leading Up
Believe it or not, there were individuals throughout Jesus’ life with greater authority than he.
Now, let’s be clear, this was a choice Jesus willingly made. At any particular moment, he possessed far greater power, status, acclaim and fame than any man or woman on earth had, has or will have. However, every day of Jesus’ life was a humble submission[3] to the earthly authority around him so that his Father’s will could be done.[4]
Literally speaking, from the moment he came into this world, he was under authority.
This presents an incredible paradox. Jesus—the Savior of the world—the most powerful being to ever live, had the opportunity to actually lead up.
To clarify, Jesus’ positional submission provides for us examples of how to lead those around us with greater positional power, authority or status.
For instance, in Matthew 8, Jesus encounters a Roman Centurion.[5] Despite his rather-low status in the Roman world, this centurion, based on ethnicity alone, would have been seen as more powerful and possessing greater authority than Jesus.
On other occasions, Jesus converses with the Jewish High Priests[6] and Roman Governor, Pilate.[7]
When we break down these stories, a few common themes are extracted on how to lead up.
1. Positional authority cannot overpower divine favor.
Despite Jesus’ lower social status than the centurion, he does not cower or back away from his divine identity. He is the Son of God—this fact that is true whether Jesus is conversing with prostitutes or presidents, kids or kings.
Because Jesus is Jesus, I think we just assume that it would have been easy to be Jesus. But the fact of the matter is, Jesus is not only fully God but fully human. That means there were temptations to give into insecurities, fears and doubts at any present moment.
As Jesus stepped into the town of Capernaum and the centurion approached, I don’t think anyone knew what the centurion was going to say. To most, when a Roman approached a Jew, it was not in kind. I can only imagine the intensity of the scene—the fear the Jewish people must’ve had as a Roman confronted their Rabbi.
Jesus—the Savior of the world—the most powerful being to ever live, had the opportunity to actually lead up.
And yet, Jesus’ response shows an important lesson when stepping into a room or conversation with someone of greater or higher social, political or professional status. Jesus owns and embraces his divine favor. The man says,“my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
Jesus responds, “shall I come and heal him?”
Jesus—in full embrace of his character and identity in God—offers to do what only he can do. In the same way, God has uniquely equipped each of us with gifts and abilities that are necessary to advancing the Kingdom of God here on Earth. No amount of positional authority will be able to combat or overcome divine favor.
Notice, Jesus doesn’t respond with, “do you know who I am?” or “have you seen the hundreds of people I’ve already healed? Move out of my way.”
He simply responds with a question, “would you like me to do what only I can do?” (See: Matthew 8:5-13).
In the same way, one of the best ways we can lead up is to use the gifts and abilities God has given us to advance His Kingdom here on Earth. Our role is not to flaunt or gloat in our gifts or abilities but to embrace the divine favor we’ve been given as children of God and to steward that favor to make a difference and impact around us.
When we embrace who God has called us to be and commit our strengths fully to serving Him, it’s miraculous to watch the way He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. We see this all throughout Scripture whether through Joseph, David, Daniel or a host of others.
Leverage your gifts and divine favor to serve those in authority and watch as the trust in your own leadership capacity is grown.
2. Words carry opportunistic weight.
Jesus’ meeting with the Sanhedrin and high priests is a master class in lead-up rhetoric.
Why?
Because Jesus is so strategic with his words. Here, Jesus stands before the most powerful men in all of Israel (sans Romans) and steps into a fate-defining moment. What Jesus says here could save his life. These men are out for blood and it’s on Jesus to talk his way out of it.
And yet, the exact opposite happens. In fact, Scripture says that these men begin slandering Jesus and giving “false testimony” to things he said and did. The high priest then gives Jesus a chance to respond.
Nothing.
Jesus remains silent.
The high priest then starts to press Jesus and asks straightforward questions like, “Are you the Messiah?” And with one answer, Jesus ignites the beginning of the end of his life, responding, “I am” (see: Mark 14:53-65).
I thought you said this was a master class in leading up? My friend, can you not see it?
The authenticity, conviction and devotion Jesus possessed in this moment is awe-inspiring.
Often, in our desire to lead up, we begin to compromise our own values, beliefs and convictions for the sake of, “winning favor” from those in higher authoritative positions. Whether out of fear, perverse respect or devotion, we begin to say and do things we know are wrong but justify in an effort to get on the powerful’s “good side.”
Jesus does no such thing.
The moment is his to defend himself, to take the powerful to school, to destroy and wipe them from the face of the earth. Instead, he remains silent. His identity secured, he feels no need to defend himself or his actions—despite the false testimony being shared about him.
Only when the high priest presses for his true identity does Jesus give a clear answer. Do we have the courage to do the same?
The more we attempt to defend, walk back, puff up, impress or amaze with our words, the greater the chances of us saying something that we regret.
One of Jesus’ greatest examples of leading up is him actually defying authority. It’s Jesus, refusing to give in and play the Sanhedrin’s game. It’s Jesus, resisting the temptation to save his own skin by sacrificing or undercutting the divine favor and identity placed on him by God the Father.
Jesus shows us that words carry weight. When sitting in a room with leaders above us, we would be wise to follow Jesus’ example and use our words strategically. As the Proverb says, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”[8]
The more we attempt to defend, walk back, puff up, impress or amaze with our words, the greater the chances of us saying something that we regret. When attempting to lead up, think carefully through the words you’re speaking and ensure that they remain rooted in a foundation of truth built on God’s Word.
Jesus Leading Down
Admittedly, this is the portion of Jesus’ leadership that is most visible and tangible throughout Scripture. The problem is, we very rarely extract the exquisite leadership qualities and principles that Jesus displays in his treatment of those “beneath” him in societal status.
For linear sake, let’s call this portion of Jesus’ leadership, “Jesus leading down.”
Whether we’re willing to admit it or not, society at large—but specifically in our Western society—has curated a defined social hierarchy that we all live on. A white, middle class man like me sits at a different place on that hierarchy than a Hispanic, lower-class, widowed woman.
To be clear, this is not right, but rather an evil byproduct of a broken, sin-filled system and society. A byproduct I hope every person reading this is working towards eliminating.
Jesus’ culture was virtually the same. As a man with an education and trade skill, he sat at a different place on the societal hierarchy than say—children, women, widows, the poor and the diseased.
And yet, on multiple occasions, we see Jesus show what it looks like to lead those whom society deems as inferior. Two traits in particular stand out in the way that Jesus led, “down.”
1. His compassion outweighed the world’s comparison.
Similar to now, the polarization and inflammation of social classes was real and heightened in 1st century Jewish culture. Many people would use their social status to attain favors, sidestep legalities and take advantage of those around them.
It was not out of the ordinary to, “compare” oneself publicly with others to ensure that these divided lines were made clear.
For instance, on one occasion, Jesus warns his apprentices to not, “do as the hypocrites (some translations: Pharisees) do.”[9] For when these men pray or give to the poor, they do so that they ensure their “favorable” status is made known. Whether through public deed or public prayer, their intent is clear; to make it known that their status equates to favoritism from God Himself. This is not at all true.
On multiple other occasions, Jesus comes face to face with a leper.[10] Again, in this culture, the social hierarchy would be clearly defined. Due to an old Levitical law, lepers were required to make it known of their degraded status. Through torn clothing, unkept hair and a constant announcement when in public ensuring that all surrounding people knew they were unclean.[11]
Hopefully these examples show the extreme ends of the societal spectrum and how rampant comparison was and is. This is the culture Jesus was living in.
And yet…
On numerous occasions, we see Jesus supersede culture’s expectation to compare, posture and prod class with an overwhelming amount of compassion.
For brevity’s sake, I will only share two of many[12] examples of Jesus’ supernatural compassion.
In John 8, we see a woman who is caught in adultery dragged into the street to be customarily stoned to death as allowed by Jewish Law. In that moment, Jesus enters the situation and is questioned,
“Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” (John 8:4-5, NLT).
Jesus takes his time, calls out the hypocrisy of the men present and sends them all away.
When they leave, Jesus extends compassion on the woman and lets her know that despite her mistakes, she is forgiven.[13]
Jesus chooses to see past the cultural barriers between them. He looks past their societal differences—her societal deficiencies (being a woman, an adulterous and guilty at that)—and chooses to look her in the eye and speak truth, life and dignity into her soul.
On numerous occasions, we see Jesus supersede culture’s expectation to compare, posture and prod class with an overwhelming amount of compassion.
On another occasion, Jesus is sitting at well when a woman arrives to draw water.[14] This wouldn’t be an odd occurrence except for the fact that it was high noon. In other words, it was the middle of the day and it was hot. No one in their right mind would choose to draw water at such a time.
Yet, this was no ordinary woman. This was a Samaritan woman. Jesus, again, begins by breaking past the societal barriers and begins engaging this woman in conversation.
The woman is thrown off to begin with—why would a Jewish man be speaking to a Samaritan woman? This was unheard of. This is the equivalent of an 1805 slavedriver conversating with a slave or a 1945 Nazi conversing with a Jew. The notion was outrageous.
And yet…
Jesus not only engages in conversation with this woman, but he offers her the gift of eternal life through him. Despite her mistakes, misfortunes and mischief, Jesus extends upon her compassion. He sees past the cultural barriers attempting to obstruct their relationship and he leans in and leads with a compassion only the best of leaders can conjure.
In both of these instances, Jesus doesn’t allow status to be an obstruction to leadership. Despite Jesus’ man-given authority (in addition to his God-given authority), he enters into both of these conversations with people society would deem, “less” and treats them as if they are his equal.
Jesus’ compassion creates an entryway for grace, truth and peace to become foundational pillars of Jesus’ leadership.
2. His presence preceded his power.
In both of the examples listed above, Jesus has any and every opportunity to both use and abuse his societal and divine status.
What if, perhaps, he was in a bad mood when he encountered the woman in adultery? According to the Law, he had every right to cast the first stone.
Or what if, perhaps, he found himself overwhelmingly parched in his encounter with the woman at the well? He could, in essence, command this woman to give him a drink.
Both of these actions would have been deemed both legal and acceptable by those around him. We don’t even have to get into the un-righteous things Jesus could have done that would mirror the misogynistic, power-hungry men of that (and our) time.
The point is—when sitting in a leadership position with inferiors beneath you—you will have a choice.
As a leader, you have the option to exert your power or your presence.
Jesus, in every situation on Earth, led with his presence rather than his power.
At any moment, he could have unleashed heavens armies. He didn’t.
At any moment, he could have put the adulterous woman to death. He didn’t.
At any moment, he could have abused the culturally inferior Samaritan woman. He didn’t.
Instead, Jesus led with presence and compassion. He was available, accepting and attentive.
As a leader, you have the option to exert your power or your presence.
Jesus gives us the blueprint for leading down. Our role in leadership positions over people with less (authority, wealth, status, power, ability, intellect, etc.) is never to be abused or taken advantage of. Rather, we are to lead with compassion, elevating the outcasts and extending invitations into the everlasting, ever-satisfying journey with Jesus himself.
Jesus Leading Around
The final aspect of Jesus’ leadership focuses in on Jesus leading around. We’ve discussed how Jesus led up and led down, but how did he lead those around him? How did he lead the people he spent most of his time with—his apostles—the twelve chosen men of Israel?
Jesus leading around would probably be headline 3/3 on a news cover. It’s not as bold or boisterous as leading up and certainly not as quotable or frameable as leading down. For most, there is a common misconception that if we are not sitting in the pent-house board rooms or on the streets feeding the poor, we have no leadership ability.
Jesus shows otherwise. In fact, we are all leaders. Every day, we have the opportunity and ability to lead others around us—towards or away from goodness, towards or away from authenticity and truth, towards or away from Jesus.
Jesus exemplifies what it takes to lead those around us. In fact, for times-sake, I’ll quickly extrapolate two lessons of Jesus’ remarkable ability to lead around.
1. Jesus led others by first leading himself.
Jesus did the work of leading himself. He often retreated to the “erémos” or “lonely place” to pray, be still and to reaffirm his identity and mission in God. [15]
We will not be able to lead those around us effectively if we ourselves are not healthy.
Jesus took his spiritual formation seriously. He understood that in order to effectively lead, he had to lead out of a fullness or overflow rather than an emptiness of leftover. Jesus gave his first and his best to God the Father. We would be wise to do the same.
Every day, we have the opportunity and ability to lead others around us—towards or away from goodness, towards or away from authenticity and truth, towards or away from Jesus.
Author Alan Fadling says this in his remarkable work, The Unhurried Leader, he says,
“Unhurried leadership gives sufficient attention to the process whereby God fills me to overflowing; it is the fruit of overflow rather than pouring out the last few drops of whatever we have on our own to give. When we are unhurried leaders abiding in the true vine, we lead from a divine fullness in order to bless the emptiness around us rather than leading from emptiness as we look for fullness somewhere else other than in the One who is life” (emphasis added).
This truth cannot be overlooked.
The pace at which Jesus lived was paramount to the intentionality he was able to lead with. Out of the overflow of disciplines and practices like silence, solitude, prayer, sabbath, fasting, community, simplicity and more, he remained rooted and secure in his identity as the Son of Man. We are called to do the same.
2. Jesus leaned heavily into the communal and relational aspect of leadership.
Perhaps the biggest misconception of leadership is that it’s done entirely from the platform or pedestal. However, it is in the plight of isolation that we lose our ability to lead and the desire for others to follow.
The movement of Jesus and his Church wasn’t born solely from phenomenal sermons and public miracles (as incredible as all of that was). Rather, the movement of Jesus was born out the unwavering commitment and devotion to spread the message of a man that 12 others believed to their core. This commitment was grown steadily over time—through relationship.
The pace at which Jesus lived was paramount to the intentionality he was able to lead with.
Jesus’ ability to lead those around him stemmed from his capacity to remain present and intentional with them. Every moment to Jesus was seen as an opportunity to teach, instruct and develop. However, every moment was also seen as an opportunity to converse, be present and commune. He ignited a belief in those around him that most couldn’t see in themselves—usually through the ways that he loved and served them as well as through the words he spoke of them.
We see this on numerous occasions like when Jesus changes Simon’s name to Peter,[16] or when he tells Thomas he is capable of more than doubt[17] or even in his conduct in the upper room.[18]
But Jesus didn’t stop there.
3. There was purpose in the process of Jesus’ leadership.
All of the investment and all of the work that Jesus was doing with his disciples was for a purpose. He was training them in an effort to one day, entrust them to out-lead him. And there lies perhaps the greatest leadership mission. Our legacy as leaders will only be as great as what’s carried on after us.
Had Jesus made it all about himself, he surely would have lived a tremendous life full of astonishing works. But Jesus’ legacy as the greatest man to ever live is cemented in large part because of the investment he made into his followers. He developed, groomed and led 12 men so well that they were able to clearly articulate Jesus’ message and mission and overcome intense opposition and persecution to ensure this message was delivered to the ends of the earth.
Our legacy as leaders will only be as great as what’s carried on after us.
For instance, let’s take a man like George Washington. “The General” as he’s been nicknamed, has been seen for centuries as one of the greatest American leaders to ever live. And yet, almost 250 years later, Washington is seen as merely a war hero, an icon at best and an extremely fallible, broken, slave-owning, baggage-filled man at worst.
This is a man who had thousands willing to kill and be killed for a cause he deemed worthy of sacrifice. In Jesus’ case, his men not only were willing to die, but the cause they were willing to die for became so compelling that billions have surrendered to that very cause over the last 2,000 years.
Do you see?
There really has never been and never will be a leader like Jesus Christ.
What Now?
So, what do we do now? As apprentices of Jesus, our mission is clear: to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus and to do what Jesus did.[19]
When we spend time with Jesus, we inevitably become like him. When we become like him, our patterns, habits and practices will gradually coincide with the way of life he offers us.
By God’s grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we’ve been given a supernatural ability to lead like Jesus. Every day, we are given opportunities to lead up, down and around—to earn trust and respect from those deemed superior, to offer compassion, empathy and justice for those who society deems inferior and to serve, invest and devote our lives to becoming like Jesus in the context of relationship.
When we spend time with Jesus, we inevitably become like him.
Admittedly, becoming like Jesus is a lifetime journey and one that will not be completed in its fullest in this lifetime. Thankfully, we serve a God who is bigger than our mistakes and contains the grace, peace and patience necessary to walk with us step by step in the journey of leadership.
I’ll leave you with the words of Jesus himself, because in leadership and, “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”[20]
Therein lies our hope. Let us lead well.
Be encouraged.
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[1] McKnight, Scot, A Church Called Tov, pg. 209
[2] Just Google Search, “leader” and watch what comes up.
[3] See Philippians 2:1-11, NIV.
[4] John 6:38, NIV.
[5] Matthew 8:5-13, NIV.
[6] Mark 14:53-65, NIV.
[7] John 18:28-30, NIV.
[8] Proverbs 10:19, NIV.
[9] Matthew 6:5, NIV.
[10] See Matthew 8:1-4, NIV, for one example.
[11] Leviticus 13:45, NIV
[12] Luke 5:12-16, Luke 5:17-26, Luke 5:27-32, Luke 7:36-50, Luke 8:26-39
[13] John 8:11, NIV
[14] John 4, NLT
[15] See Mark 1:35, NIV, for one example.
[16] Matthew 16:18, NASB
[17] John 20:24-29, NIV
[18] John 20:19-23, NIV
[19] I’ve taken this from Pastor John Mark Comer and have adopted it as a personal mission statement.
[20] John 16:33, NIV
