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Kingdom Leadership: Mission-focused, People-oriented

by on September 17, 2021

Key Scripture: Matthew 4:19-20 And He (Jesus) said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

An internet search of “leadership” generates more than three trillion results. As disciples of Christ, we look to Jesus as our model. “Leader” isn’t the first title that comes to mind as a description of Jesus, but of the original twelve, eleven were faithful to His mission.

Hand-picked by Jesus, His disciples dropped their plans to focus on His mission. Men who would come to lead others as they proclaimed, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 10:7). Jesus’ disciples were to preach the good news of the gospel of the Kingdom, God’s restoration plan for mankind. Through repentance and belief in Christ’s perfect life, atoning death, burial, and resurrection, sinners were reconciled to God. His followers became leaders and were given authority to continue the mission (Matt 28:18-20).

The mission for the first leaders wouldn’t come with acclaim or rewards; but instead, following Jesus came at significant cost. He warned they would be sheep among wolves, beaten, dragged before rulers, face death, and hated for His name’s sake (Matt 10:16-23). Kingdom leadership costs. There are no special perks or privileges. Jesus as our model said, “Even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:28). Whoever would be great must be a servant and whoever would be first must be a slave (Matt 20:27). That message seems foreign to the world but should be a defining mark of a Christian.

Kingdom leaders orient their lives to help others know King Jesus and live in obedience to Him. We read where Paul orients his life towards people as he writes to those in Philippi explaining the church would benefit from his labor among them. While Paul suffered greatly for the gospel, he knew his continued labor on behalf of the church would be an advantage in their progress and joy in the faith. This would give them ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 1:25-26). The biblical definition of Kingdom leadership seems foreign and is in sharp contrast to the three trillion internet results, yet it must be a mark of the Christian leader.

Questions to Consider:

Do I live my life with Kingdom focus? Am I people-oriented?

Prayer Prompts:

  • Dear Heavenly Father, I confess I often think more about leading my own kingdom than yours. Enable me to live my life devoted to your Kingdom and serve others.

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