In total obedience and commitment, Jesus stayed on track. — Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, Phyllis Hendry Halverson.
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
Jesus was unwaveringly focused and committed to His mission. One of the most valuable services a leader can provide is a clear and consistent purpose. It raises the question: Why do leaders often struggle to remain focused on their core mission?
A pivotal insight into Jesus’ vision is found in His prayer for His disciples in John 17. He remained dedicated to His mission during His leadership, stating, “I brought glory to You here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4 NLT). Jesus was fully obedient and committed, avoiding distractions and refraining from pursuing other agendas.
Leaders can greatly benefit their followers by maintaining a clear sense of purpose. In challenging times, when the temptation for quick success arises and distractions emerge, followers look to their leaders for guidance. Will leaders remain committed to their mission and values, or will they succumb to immediate pressures?
Jesus took responsibility not only for sharing God’s truth but also for ensuring His followers understood their mission. He said, “Now they know that everything I have is a gift from You, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from You, and they believe You sent Me” (John 17:7-8 NLT).
When leaders fail to communicate their vision effectively, they risk frustration, unfulfilled missions, and disheartened followers. The more challenging the journey, the more leaders must prioritize the well-being and preparedness of their followers. This includes ensuring they are trained and equipped for their tasks and providing clear values to guide their decisions, especially when leaders are absent.
A leader’s vigilance also involves defending followers against opposition and unjust criticism, being truthful, and serving them in areas where they may struggle. In Jesus’ case, He exemplified this by laying down His life for His followers (John 10:11, 28).
Looking beyond His earthly ministry, Jesus aimed to provide for His followers who would continue His mission.
Ponder on this:
Before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed not only for His Father’s will but also for those He would leave behind and for future believers, which includes us. This act demonstrated His deep concern for His followers and for future generations of leaders. What steps are you presently challenged to take?
Learn more about Jesus’ Compelling Vision in our Lead Like Jesus Revisited book.
Michael Okuneye is a certified Facilitator with Lead like Jesus and also the African Representative. Experienced with missions and leadership matters since 1993. He is the Executive Director of Livingword Global leadership Mission; served as a missionary in Niger, Chad and in Nigeria where he resides, training Church Planters and Community Champions to build stronger and transformational churches in Africa. Having raised and trained many leaders in several nations, it has given him the voice in Leadership matters in Nigeria. He served as the Assistant to the National director of Bible league in Chad, later rose to National Head of Operations of Bible League Nigeria before proceeding to advance the course of Leadership and Mission. He is currently the Coordinator of the Teens Church in his local assembly where he raises leaders. As a great motivator, he has encouraged many, coupled with his unique approach to coaching and mentoring lives in diverse fields of specialization, more than 10,000 lives have been affected by his leadership. He is also championing the cause of community development in rural areas for positive changes. He is married to Titilope his best friend and they are blessed with five boys.
How I wish every leader in the christendom could lead like Jesus. I mean serving their followers and not leading people with the intent of being served by them.
2 Corinthians 8:9… For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet FOR YOUR SAKE he became poor, so that you THROUGH HIS POVERTY MIGHT BECOME RICH.
As stated clearly by Apostle Paul above, Jesus chose to be poor so that we his followers might be rich.
Today, what we see in the christendom is far from this examplary leadership style of Jesus. When church leaders are enjoying and living extravagant lifestyle, their followers are busy working tirelessly for daily bread without any help from the church.
God bless you Brother Michael for this insight.
I pray and hope for better leadership in the christendom in the coming years.