What qualities should Christian leaders exhibit according to Matthew 20:25? Setting the Stage—What Jesus Saw in the World Around Him Matthew 20:25: “But Jesus called them to Him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high authority exercise power over them.’” • Earthly leaders flaunted status, demanded recognition, and controlled through fear. • Jesus exposed this model so His followers would reject it, not replicate it. The Counter-Model—Core Qualities Christian Leaders Must Show • Humble Service – Matthew 20:26-27: “It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.” – Philippians 2:5-7 shows Christ “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” • Self-Sacrificial Love – Matthew 20:28: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” • Gentleness, not Domination – 1 Peter 5:2-3 urges elders to shepherd “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” • Example-Driven Authority – John 13:14-15: after washing feet, Jesus said, “You also should wash one another’s feet… I have set you an example.” • God-Centered Motivation – 2 Corinthians 4:5: “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” Why These Qualities Matter • They mirror Christ’s own character, making leadership an act of worship. • They protect the church from pride, abuse, and division. • They testify to a watching world that God’s kingdom operates differently from earthly systems. Practicing Servant Leadership Today • Seek roles to lift others rather than elevate yourself. • Make decisions by asking, “How does this serve Christ’s mission and Christ’s people?” • Welcome accountability; invite fellow believers to speak into your life. • Prioritize shepherding—feeding, guiding, protecting—over managing image or numbers. • If authority is necessary, use it to free others to flourish, not to control. A Quick Checklist for Christian Leaders □ My tone: gentle, not domineering. □ My goal: others’ growth, not personal acclaim. □ My example: Christ’s humility and sacrifice. □ My power source: the Holy Spirit, not human influence. □ My measure of success: faithfulness and fruitfulness in people, not titles or perks. |
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