Jesus Christ is the greatest Apex Leader who has ever lived. Regardless of your religious affiliation, even the most reasonable person understands that more books have been written, songs sang, pictures painted, and thoughts discussed about Jesus than anyone else in human history. Therefore, I am not going to be able to scratch the surface as to what made Him so effective.
However, I will be speaking about His leadership this weekend using Matthew 9:9-13 as my focal text. This passage tells the story of His recruitment of a tax collector named Matthew to join His team and become one of His disciples.
The following are just some of the leadership lessons that all leaders can glean from these five verses:
- Motivation – It is important to know what motivates people during the decision-making process. Matthew was a tax collector who wanted to exchange that lifestyle for one with more meaning and purpose. To know what truly motivates people ask these questions – What makes you laugh? What makes you cry? What do you dream about? Jesus motivated by touching the souls of people.
- Ask For Great Commitment – Leaders know that how you do “The Ask” matters. Jesus said to Matthew “Follow Me.” When a rabbi made this request to Jewish young man, he was asking for a life commitment. Too often leaders do not properly challenge their teams and unfortunately, they live up to the level of that request.
- Creativity – Matthew had an ingenious idea of throwing a party that would allow his new friends (disciples) to connect with his tax collecting friends. By His mere presence, Jesus clearly supported Matthew’s entrepreneurial spirit. Just look at nature, for instance, and you will get a clear sense that Jesus invented and honors the creative process.
- Inner Circle – Jesus spent the majority of his time with His disciples. This was a strategic decision because it was these individuals who could best further His mission and vision. Leaders, who do you spend the majority of your time with?
- Relational Intelligence – Jesus loves people. He can build a bridge with anyone – rich, poor, young, old, cross-cultural, etc… There was not a relational boundary He could not cross.
- Address Issues – Jesus paid attention to everything taking place at the party. Since He is God, the slightest details in our lives do not escape Jesus. He was keenly aware that religious leaders were hindering the purpose of the evening by sowing discord. Jesus confronted them immediately.
- Solutions – In this passage Jesus referred to Himself as a “physician”. He knew people have an incurable disease called sin and He was the cure. He was the solution to the problem.
- Leading By Example – Teams often suffer from unhealthy conflict. Jesus calls people to have an attitude of mercy and He led by example. People do what people see.
- Mission – Great leaders continually communicate to their teams why they exist and what their purpose is.
- Encouragement – This is complete speculation on my part but I think when the party was over, and it was just Jesus and Matthew discussing the evening, that Jesus really spoke into Matthew’s life. He probably said “I knew you were capable of a night like this! That’s why I chose you! You’re a great disciple and I can’t wait to see what creative things you come up with next to meet the needs of people!” Leaders, do you encourage your team in a similar fashion?
Look at these 10 characteristics. Which ones affirm you and which did you need to work on? All of us have some in both areas.
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