This is Part 3 of the series Servant Leadership Examples from the Bible.
In the annals of history, few figures have left as indelible a mark on leadership as Jesus Christ. His life and teachings provide the ultimate blueprint for what it means to lead by serving others. Jesus’ model of leadership is not only relevant within the religious sphere but also offers profound insights applicable to today’s business world. In an era where leadership is often associated with authority and control, Jesus presents a countercultural approach—one that prioritizes humility, compassion, and self-sacrifice.
By examining the life of Jesus through the lens of servant leadership, business leaders can gain invaluable wisdom on how to lead with integrity, inspire loyalty, and foster a culture of trust within their organizations. This article will explore key moments in Jesus’ life, the attributes that defined His leadership, and how these principles can be effectively applied in modern business practices.
Key Moments
Two pivotal moments in the life of Jesus stand out as exemplars of servant leadership: the washing of the disciples’ feet and His sacrificial death on the cross. These events not only illustrate His humility and love but also provide enduring lessons for leaders today.
Washing the Disciples’ Feet: In John 13:1-17, we find one of the most profound demonstrations of servant leadership. As Jesus prepared to face His crucifixion, He took the time to wash His disciples’ feet—a task typically reserved for the lowest of servants. This act was more than a simple gesture of humility; it was a powerful statement about the nature of true leadership. Jesus, the Son of God, knelt before His followers to serve them, showing that no task is too menial for a leader who is truly committed to serving others.
For business leaders, this moment underscores the importance of humility in leadership. It reminds us that leaders are not above their teams but are called to serve them, even in the most basic and practical ways. By putting the needs of others first, leaders can build trust, inspire loyalty, and create a culture where every member feels valued.
Sacrificial Death on the Cross: The ultimate expression of Jesus’ servant leadership is found in His willing sacrifice on the cross. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul writes, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Jesus’ death was the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, undertaken not for His own benefit but for the salvation of humanity.
This act of love and obedience is a powerful example for business leaders. It challenges them to consider how they can lead with self-sacrifice, prioritizing the well-being of their employees and customers over personal gain or comfort. In a business context, this might mean making difficult decisions that benefit the team, even at a personal cost, or going above and beyond to support the organization during challenging times.
Attributes of Jesus
Three key attributes define Jesus’ leadership: humility, compassion, and obedience to God’s will. These qualities are not only foundational to His ministry but also provide essential lessons for modern business leaders.
Humility: Jesus consistently demonstrated humility throughout His ministry. Despite His divine nature, He never sought power or recognition for Himself. Instead, He focused on serving others, often associating with the marginalized and the outcast. Humility in leadership fosters an environment where team members feel respected and valued. It allows leaders to listen to feedback, admit mistakes, and prioritize the success of the team over personal ambition.
As C.S. Lewis famously said,
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less” (Lewis, 1952).
In business, a humble leader creates a culture where everyone is encouraged to contribute, leading to greater collaboration and innovation.
Compassion: Jesus’ compassion was evident in His interactions with people from all walks of life. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the sorrowful. This compassion was not merely an emotional response; it was coupled with action.
In a business setting, compassion translates into caring for the well-being of employees, customers, and the community. It involves understanding the challenges others face and taking concrete steps to support them. Compassionate leadership fosters loyalty and engagement, as employees are more likely to feel connected to an organization that genuinely cares for them.
Obedience to God’s Will: Jesus’ entire life was characterized by His obedience to the will of His Father. Even in the face of suffering, He remained committed to His divine mission. This obedience was not blind or passive; it was a conscious choice to align His actions with a higher purpose.
For business leaders, this attribute translates into a commitment to ethical decision-making and a focus on long-term goals rather than short-term gains. Leaders who are guided by a strong sense of purpose and ethical standards inspire trust and confidence in their teams.
As John MacArthur notes,
“True leadership is marked by a willingness to serve, an unshakable commitment to truth, and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of others” (MacArthur, 2002).
Theological Insights
Jesus’ leadership exemplifies divine servanthood—a concept that is both revolutionary and timeless. In a world where power and authority are often equated with leadership, Jesus turned this notion on its head. His leadership was not about asserting dominance or control; it was about serving others, even to the point of self-sacrifice. This model of leadership is rooted in the very nature of God, who, in the person of Jesus, came to serve rather than to be served Mark 10:45. This understanding of leadership has profound implications for how we approach business and organizational life.
At its core, divine servanthood is about love—love for God and love for others. This love is expressed through acts of service, humility, and sacrifice. For business leaders, this means leading with a focus on the well-being of others, rather than on personal success or profit. It involves creating an organizational culture where ethical practices are prioritized, and where employees are valued not just as workers but as individuals with inherent worth and dignity. Jesus’ example challenges leaders to rethink their approach to leadership, shifting from a mindset of control to one of service.
Business Application
Modeling leadership after Jesus’ example involves several practical steps that business leaders can take to create a culture of trust, integrity, and service within their organizations.
Prioritize the Needs of Employees and Customers: Just as Jesus prioritized the needs of those He served, business leaders should focus on meeting the needs of their employees and customers. This could involve creating a supportive work environment, offering professional development opportunities, and ensuring that employees have the resources they need to succeed. For customers, it means delivering high-quality products and services, listening to feedback, and going the extra mile to meet their needs.
Foster a Culture of Trust: Trust is the foundation of any successful organization. By leading with humility, compassion, and integrity, leaders can build trust within their teams. This involves being transparent in decision-making, admitting mistakes, and being consistent in words and actions. A culture of trust encourages open communication, collaboration, and innovation, as employees feel safe to share their ideas and concerns.
Lead with Integrity: Integrity is at the heart of Jesus’ leadership. Business leaders can model this by making ethical decisions, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. This might involve standing up for what is right, even at the cost of profit or popularity, and ensuring that all business practices align with the organization’s values and mission. Leaders who demonstrate integrity set a standard for the entire organization, fostering a culture of honesty and accountability.
Serve Others: Just as Jesus served His disciples, business leaders should seek to serve their teams. This might involve taking on tasks that are not typically associated with leadership, such as helping with a challenging project or supporting an employee in need. By serving others, leaders demonstrate that they are committed to the success and well-being of their team, which in turn fosters loyalty and engagement.
Create a Vision with Purpose: Jesus’ leadership was driven by a clear sense of purpose—to fulfill the will of His Father and bring salvation to humanity. Business leaders can take a similar approach by creating a vision for their organization that is rooted in a higher purpose. This might involve focusing on sustainability, community impact, or social responsibility. A purpose-driven vision inspires employees and customers alike, creating a sense of meaning and direction that goes beyond profit.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ stands as the perfect model for all leaders, offering a timeless example of what it means to lead with humility, compassion, and integrity. His life and teachings provide invaluable lessons for business leaders who seek to create organizations that are not only successful but also ethical, compassionate, and purpose-driven. By following His example, leaders can build trust, inspire loyalty, and foster a culture of service within their organizations. In a world where leadership is often equated with power and control, Jesus offers a different path—one that leads to true greatness through service to others.
As you reflect on Jesus’ example, consider how you can incorporate these principles into your own leadership practices. Whether you are leading a small team or a large organization, the lessons of servant leadership are universally applicable. By prioritizing the needs of others, leading with integrity, and fostering a culture of trust, you can create an organization that not only achieves its goals but also makes a positive impact on the world.
References
- Holy Bible, Legacy Standard Bible.
- Lewis, C.S. (1952). Mere Christianity. London: Geoffrey Bles.
- MacArthur, J. (2002). The Book on Leadership. Nashville: Thomas Nelson
Be sure to follow the series and engage in the conversation. Let’s work together to bring about a new era of leadership grounded in biblical principles!
This series was originally published on LinkedIn as part of the Wisdom & Wit Newsletter.
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Chris Reighley is a Colson Fellow and a leader grounded in faith, family, and mission. With a career spanning servant leadership, digital marketing, and servant leadership, he is driven by a passion for empowering others. He is pursuing an Executive Master’s at The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Redemption Seminary. Through Shoe Leather Gospel, Chris is dedicated to combating biblical illiteracy and mentoring future leaders.
