Leadership Jesus Style

Good Morning,As we revisit the account of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah’s direction, we come across two contrasting approaches to leadership.In Neh. 3:5 the men of Tekoa were tasked with repairing their assigned section, but their leaders refused to join the effort.The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.For whatever reason the Nobles regarded the work as either beneath them or not worthy of their effort. They were content to let others “put their shoulders to the work”.  Imagine how discouraging it must have been for those making great sacrifices while their “leaders” sat by and watched.Contrast that with the leadership demonstrated by the High Priest and his fellow priests.  These were people who held a high honor to be certain.Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel.  Neh. 3:1What an inspiring example it must have been for the people to see their spiritual leaders be the first to get their hands dirty and jump in.That sounds a lot like the kind of leadership Jesus calls us to.  If you want to lead the first prerequisite is to serve (Matt. 20). Time, and again Jesus demonstrated the impact this kind of leadership can have.  From laying down his rights and coming to earth (Phil. 2) to washing his disciple’s feet (John 13) “leadership Jesus style” was transformative.  He took a group of 12 ordinary men and used them to revolutionize the world.  We still marvel at their impact today.What about you this morning? Do you want to lead others enough that you are compelled to first serve them?Live this week on purpose,Ron Klopfenstein