8 Ways to Lead Like Jesus

As a teacher passionate about Biblical leadership, I want to share how Biblical Servant Leadership in Action: 8 Ways to Lead Like Jesus can transform your approach to guiding others. Jesus modeled perfect leadership through service rather than dominance.

When we examine Jesus' ministry, we discover a revolutionary leadership style that turns worldly power structures upside down. His example shows that true influence comes not from position or authority, but from a humble heart dedicated to serving others.

Biblical Servant Leadership in Action: 8 Ways to Lead Like Jesus

1. Put Others' Needs First

Jesus consistently demonstrated that servant leadership begins with prioritizing the needs of those you lead above your own comfort or convenience. He showed this through both his teachings and actions.

Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

You can practice this by listening attentively to understand others' challenges, adjusting your plans to help someone in need, and making decisions based on what benefits those you lead rather than what advances your personal agenda. Jesus exemplified this when he healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ultimately gave his life for others.

2. Lead with Humility

Jesus, despite being God incarnate, never used his status to elevate himself above others. Instead, he modeled profound humility in his leadership approach.

John 13:3-5 - "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet."

Matthew 11:29 - "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Humble leadership means being willing to perform tasks you might consider "beneath your position," acknowledging when you're wrong, giving credit to others for successes, and receiving feedback without defensiveness. When Jesus washed his disciples' feet—a task usually reserved for the lowest servant—he powerfully demonstrated that no service is too menial for a true leader.

3. Develop and Empower Others

Jesus invested deeply in developing his followers and empowering them to continue his mission. He didn't hoard authority but shared it and prepared others to lead.

Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'"

John 14:12 - "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

Servant leaders develop others by identifying their potential, providing opportunities for growth, allowing them to make and learn from mistakes, and gradually increasing their responsibilities. Jesus spent three years intensively training his disciples, then sent them out with authority to continue his work—a perfect example of empowering leadership.

4. Lead with Compassion

Jesus was moved with compassion when he encountered people in need. His leadership was characterized by genuine concern for others' suffering and a desire to alleviate it.

Matthew 9:36 - "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

Mark 6:34 - "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things."

Compassionate leadership involves noticing others' struggles, taking time to understand their situations, responding with both practical help and emotional support, and creating environments where people feel valued and cared for. Jesus demonstrated this when he healed the sick, comforted the grieving, and responded to the woman caught in adultery with both truth and mercy.

5. Communicate with Clarity and Truth

Jesus was a master communicator who spoke truth clearly while adapting his message to his audience. He used stories, questions, and direct teaching to convey deep truths in accessible ways.

John 8:32 - "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Matthew 13:34 - "Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable."

Effective servant leaders communicate clearly by speaking truth even when it's difficult, explaining complex concepts in understandable terms, listening before responding, and adapting communication styles to different audiences. Jesus's parables connected spiritual truths to everyday experiences his listeners could understand, making his message both accessible and memorable.

6. Lead with Vision and Purpose

Jesus maintained unwavering focus on his mission, regularly reminding his followers of the bigger purpose behind their work. He connected daily actions to eternal significance.

Luke 4:43 - "But he said, 'I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.'"

John 6:38 - "For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me."

Visionary servant leaders clearly articulate where the group is heading, help individuals see how their contributions matter to the larger mission, make decisions aligned with core values, and persistently move toward the vision even amid distractions. Jesus consistently reminded his disciples of the kingdom of God and stayed focused on his purpose despite pressure to pursue popularity or political power.

7. Practice Integrity and Authenticity

Jesus lived with perfect integrity—his actions matched his words, and he was the same person in every situation. He modeled authentic leadership by being transparent about his emotions and needs.

John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life.'"

Matthew 12:34-35 - "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him."

Leaders with integrity keep their promises, maintain consistent ethical standards, align their private behavior with their public image, and admit mistakes when they occur. Jesus demonstrated consistency between his teaching and actions, confronted hypocrisy in religious leaders, and was transparent about his emotions—weeping at Lazarus' tomb and expressing his anguish in Gethsemane.

8. Lead Through Sacrifice

The ultimate expression of Jesus' servant leadership was his willingness to sacrifice for those he led. He demonstrated that true leadership often requires personal cost for the benefit of others.

John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."

1 John 3:16 - "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."

Sacrificial leadership involves giving up personal comfort, time, or recognition for others' benefit; standing up for those without a voice even when it's risky; and being willing to bear criticism or difficulty to protect those you lead. Jesus exemplified this through his entire ministry, culminating in his sacrificial death on the cross—the ultimate demonstration of servant leadership.

The Impact of Servant Leadership: Transforming Organizations and Lives

When we implement Jesus' model of servant leadership, the results are transformative for both the leader and those being led:

• Changed Culture: Organizations led by servant leaders develop cultures of mutual respect, collaboration, and genuine care. People feel valued not just for what they produce but for who they are. This leads to greater creativity, loyalty, and overall well-being.
• Authentic Relationships: Servant leadership creates deeper, more authentic relationships built on trust rather than fear or obligation. When leaders demonstrate vulnerability and genuine concern, it creates psychological safety that allows for honest communication and conflict resolution.
• Sustainable Growth: While other leadership styles might produce short-term results through pressure or manipulation, servant leadership creates sustainable growth. It develops other leaders who can carry the mission forward and establishes healthy patterns that prevent burnout.
• Personal Transformation: Perhaps most importantly, practicing servant leadership transforms the leader from the inside out. As we align our leadership approach with Jesus' example, our own hearts change. We find greater joy in others' success than in personal recognition and discover that true greatness comes through service.

By embracing these eight aspects of Jesus' leadership model, we don't just become better leaders, we become more like Christ himself, fulfilling our highest calling while positively impacting those around us.

5 Trivia Quiz for the Topic

1. Question: In Mark 10:45, Jesus said He came not to be served but to what?
   Answer: To serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
2. Question: What humble task did Jesus perform for His disciples before the Last Supper?
   Answer: Washed their feet.
3. Question: According to John 15:13, what did Jesus describe as the greatest expression of love?
   Answer: To lay down one's life for one's friends.
4. Question: In Matthew 9:36, what emotion did Jesus feel when He saw the crowds?
   Answer: Compassion.
5. Question: Complete this verse from Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value…"
   Answer: "…others above yourselves."