Lead Like Jesus Part 2

Matthew 21:12-22 Read the New Testament in a Year: Acts 28:17-31 Yesterday we looked at what does it mean, in practice, to ‘lead like Jesus’? Let’s continue with a few more things from today’s verses. Have the courage to confront People sometimes think that gentleness and humility mean giving way in every situation, but Jesus was not afraid of confrontation. He ‘entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers’ (v.12). One of the hardest aspects of leadership is to know the right moment for confrontation. Failure to confront is in itself a decision with consequences. Conflict and confrontation are never easy, but wisely applied, they are a necessary part of good and courageous leadership. Seek spiritual, not worldly power The power of Jesus was so different from many of the leaders in the world. ‘The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them’ (v.14). Spiritual power is far more important than earthly power. It cannot be manufactured. It can only come from the kind of relationship Jesus had with God. Make prayer your number one priority In Jesus’ confrontation with the money-changers we see how passionate he was about prayer (v.13). And throughout the Gospels, we read of Jesus withdrawing (v.17) to be on his own with God. This was the source of his strength. Like with David, prayer was at the heart of Jesus’ leadership.]]>