Lead Like Jesus...7 Leadership Traits from His Life

I love studying the life of great leaders.  Through reading you can get an inside look at the leadership qualities of some of the greatest leaders in history.

Recently I read this verse and it caused me to begin thinking about how the greatest leader of all times led.

The LORD is my shepherd, I have all I need.  He lets me rest in green meadows; He LEADS me beside peaceful streams."  -Psalm 23

How did Jesus lead?  Let's take a look at His life.

Jesus led with a towel.
The place is the upper room.  The conversation among the disciples is about who would be the greatest in the kingdom.  Jesus gets up, grabs a towel and begins washing their feet.  The point is startlingly.  A great leader is a servant.  Leadership is not about a title...it's about taking a towel and serving others. 

Jesus led with truthfulness.
The place is Pilate's courtroom.  Charges are being brought against Jesus by the chief priests and teachers of the law.  Pilate's verdict?  "I find no basis for a charge against this man."  Great leaders lead with integrity, character and honesty.

Jesus led with tenacity.
The place is Golgotha.  Jesus is enduring the cross.  His eyes are on the joy set before Him.  He utters the words, "It is finished."  He completes what He was sent to do.  Great leaders go the distance.  They finish strong. 

Jesus led with trust.
The place is Mt. Olivet.  Jesus is about to ascend to heaven.  Before He leaves, He gives the disciples the promise of empowerment from the Holy Spirit and instructions to carry the most important message to ever be uttered on earth...the Gospel.  Great leaders empower others and then trust them to do the work of the ministry.

Jesus led with teamwork.
The place is the sea of Galilee.  Jesus is calling Peter and Andrew to join Him.  They are two of twelve that He will gather around Him.  Great leaders are team builders.  They know teamwork brings success.

Jesus led with tears.
The place is a road outside Jerusalem.  As Jesus approaches the city, He begins to weep.  His tears fall as He says, "You did not recognize it when God visited you."  His heart is breaking for people who are lost.  Great leaders lead with a tear in their eye.  Their heart breaks over a lost world.  They shed tears over what really matters. 

Jesus led with a theme.
The place is a lake near Capernaum.  Jesus is sharing the theme of His life with the disciples.  He says, "For I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of Him who sent Me.  And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of all those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day.  For My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”  Great leaders know God's purpose for their life and they've made it their theme.  They are laser focused on fulfilling God's will. 

What an honor to serve the greatest leader of all times and strive to follow His example.