JESUS Leadership - part 1
Matthew 4:12a
12a Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison,
- John felt led to call leadership out for the evils they were doing.
- THIS MEANT CONSEQUENCES.
2 Timothy 3:12
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
LEADERSHIP LESSON:
When we choose to follow God, it doesn’t guarantee a smooth and problem-free path. In fact, Scripture reminds us that there may be negative consequences, opposition, and even persecution along the way.
THE KEY: Understanding that these consequences are not a sign of failure or abandonment by God. They are often a result of standing firm in our faith and refusing to compromise our beliefs.
Joshua 1:9
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
“BE STRONG and GOOD COURAGE” = חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ (chazak ve’ematz).
1. חֲזַק (chazak): This word conveys the idea of being strong, firm, or steadfast. It carries the sense of being resolute and unwavering, having inner strength and determination.
2. וֶאֱמָץ (ve’ematz): This word means to be courageous, bold, or brave. It signifies having the courage to face challenges or difficulties with confidence and fearlessness.
Matthew 4:12b
12b he departed into Galilee;
- John’s ministry was in Galilee
- John had a large following
JESUS’ FIRST LEADERSHIP TASK RECORDED BY MATTHEW WAS NOT TO DO HIS OWN THING - BUT TO GO WHERE THERE WAS A NEED AND STEP INTO THE GAP TO SERVE.
Leadership is an invitation to a perpetual state of self-sacrifice.
It is an invitation to:
- seize the moment step into the breach
- fill the gap
- fulfill the need
UNTIL OTHERS RISE TO THE OCCASION!
To be apathetic, to turn a blind eye to the needs that surround us, is a betrayal of our divine calling.
It is a refusal to embrace the responsibility that rests upon our shoulders.
Inaction breeds stagnation, and stagnation breeds the decay of hope.
:: EMBRACING TEMPORARY CALLINGS ::
1ST STEP: RECOGNIZING THE
Galatians 6:2
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
1. Pray
Prayer is not the least we can do; it is the greatest we can do!
Romans 15:13
13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Ephesians 1:16
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
2. Write a text, email or note of encouragement.
A few sentences that tell someone you SEE THEM, you LOVE THEM and YOU APPRECIATE them will uplift their spirit.
Writing encouraging notes NEEDS TO BECOME A vital habit for anyone in leadership.
3. Praise SOMEONE OUTLOUD!
Practice saying an encouraging word to several people each day.
4. STEP UP WHERE THERE IS A NEED.
Train yourself to pay attention to needs. Jesus wasn’t called to STAY in Galillee. He was there TO FILL A NEED till others would rise up.
5. Extend Hospitality
Opening your home to others is a form of opening your heart. It says, “I care about you, and I want to be personally involved in encouraging you.”
Hospitality builds relationships, and relationships bear burdens.
2ND STEP: STEPPING IN WITH
Jesus’ decision to go to Galilee wasn’t driven by obligation or duty.
He had a genuine love and concern for John and the people he was ministering to.
Jesus understood that leadership is not just about titles or positions; it’s about compassionately stepping into the lives of others when they need it most.
Mark 10:45
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
John 15:13
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
~~ THERE ARE TIMES THAT GOD CALLS US, FOR A SEASON, TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR A NEED TO BE FULFILLED ~~
1. Sacrificially give your time and resources.
Go beyond convenience and comfort to selflessly give of your time, energy, and resources to meet your friend’s needs. It could involve sacrificing personal plans to be there for them in times of crisis or offering financial assistance when they are facing challenges.
2. Support someone in their struggles.
Sow help…
Practical Application: Walk alongside your friend during their hardships and challenges. Be a compassionate listener, providing a safe space for them to express their feelings. Offer practical support by assisting with their responsibilities or connecting them with relevant resources.
3. Speak the truth with love.
Ephesians 4:15
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Offer guidance, correction, or encouragement when necessary, always seeking their growth and spiritual development.
3RD STEP: THE
Matthew 4:13 - 17
13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Zabulon = exalted house
Nephthalim = my struggle, my strife
Jordan = the descender
Galillee = to roll or make a circle
Jesus lived between the boarders of “THE EXALTED HOUSE” and the “STRUGGLES” around him.
BEYOND the Jordan, the Galillee of Gentiles.
- Jesus descended to the people in darkness.
- And walked in circles around those who did not know God.
JESUS LOOKED FOR IN-ROAD OPPORTUNITIES
- TO SERVE
- TO SOW
- TO SPEAK
WHAT WAS THE MESSAGE HE WAS SPEAKING?
The same that you and I do as leaders…
“Repent” - change your thought process and how you see things.
“Cause the Kingdom of Heaven” - God’s way of doing things.
“Is at hand” - it’s so close you can touch it.