Christian Mentorship

How to lead by example

By Dr. Jeff Myers

The people of Jesus’ day hoped for a ruler who would free Judea from tyrannical rule. However, Jesus turned the tables by confronting their infatuation with power.

After a journey one day Jesus asked his disciples what they had been talking about on the road. They were ashamed to admit that they had been discussing who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus gave a simple reply, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

The word “servant” used here comes from the Greek word Doulos, which means “one who willingly becomes a slave.” Jesus led by example. He alone became the servant of all.

But his challenge to the disciples is still a challenge to us today: we lead in direct proportion to our willingness to be a strong foundation for those who come after us. In the words of Glen Shultz, leadership involves “learning to rise to the bottom.”