Jesus Provides a Model for Ten Different Levels of Leadership in Matthew Chapter 10
The first nine chapters of Matthew provide a synoptic picture of Jesus’ life, from his birth and family tree to the proclamation and implementation of his central message for his ministry: “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is close.” Luke 3:17
From his baptism at the hands of John the Baptist until his personal selection and summoning of the men who would become his followers, Jesus is preparing all those who would believe in his message to convey the kingdom of God to a needy world. His leadership style is the living embodiment of the saying, “Do as I do, and I will go before you and be with you while you do it.”
The women and men who stayed close to Jesus and absorbed his words saw him bring his kingdom message to life as he healed, nourished, forgave, and inspired a world that had been waiting for the Messiah. After a long day of speaking in many synagogues and towns, during which he cured all who were ill and showed compassion for the huddled masses of the downtrodden and afflicted, Jesus spoke these words:
Then he told his followers, “There is a great crop here, but there are not enough laborers to gather it. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Reference: Matthew 9:37
By this uncomplicated instruction, Jesus sends his followers forth to do service. Carefully, he walks them through the 10 strong layers of transformational leadership he has exhibited for them throughout his career.
1. Being a position of authority
The followers of Jesus were the first to be sent out into the “harvest field” with the aim of bringing others into Jesus’ upcoming kingdom. Jesus, foreseeing the opposition they would face as his ambassadors, made sure they were given the power only he could provide so that they might perform the tasks that until then had been done only by him. He “conferred upon them the power to cast out demons and the ability to cure every illness and malady.” First of Matthew
Those who would lead others effectively in the church, the workplace, or the family must have a firm hold on the understanding that authority is the source of influence.
2.Focused determination
Announcing, “The kingdom of heaven is close” “As you go, proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near.” In Matthew 10:7, Jesus says:
The magnitude of Jesus’s trust in his disciples, as he prepared to send them forth into the world, is mind-boggling. Imagine if you could cure people and drive out demons. Incredible strength. Potentially quite risky, too. Having a crystal-clear vision for the future is essential for discerning Christian leadership. Jesus gave detailed instructions to the disciples before sending them forth, covering every aspect of their mission. He instructed them on the who, how, where, and what of being faithful to their goal as they spread word of his kingdom.
3. Put Your Faith and Trust in God
““Give as you have been given.” Luke 10:8b
Jesus said this as he was about to send forth his disciples to do miraculous acts such as healing, raising the dead, and casting out demons. He then went on to tell them what they should take with them on their journey. He orders that they bring absolutely nothing. Nothing at all. As the saying goes, “because the worker is worth his keep,” therefore you shouldn’t give him any additional money, gold, silver, clothes, shoes, or even a bag to put them in. Luke 10:10
There are two major ideas that Jesus is imparting to his followers. God is your provider and has freely given you all that is truly valuable. Now, he is sending you out to work in his crop, and he will provide for you while you do so. He is encouraging a complete trust in God as their supplier.
4. Use Your Brains
You should greet the house when you enter it. Allow your calm to settle on the house if it deserves it, or bring it back with you if it doesn’t. Verses 12–13 of Matthew 10
These followers, soon to embark on a life of nomadic preaching, are given detailed guidance on how to behave oneself responsibly as they move from place to place. Jesus tells them to choose decent people to live with, but he acknowledges that they might not always be accepted or heard. With this in mind, Jesus provides a measured response that echoes his wish that their understanding be founded on love rather than man’s wrath.
5. Be Prepared for Struggle
As the saying goes, “I’m sending you out among wolves.” According to Matthew 10:16
People who followed Jesus were devout Jews who knew the Scriptures and Israelite history through and out. Even the most ordinary Jewish men would have been familiar with the anticipated trials and tribulations that would accompany the arrival of the Messiah, as well as the history of suffering that accompanied the prophets of old. Jesus knew that he had to assist his disciples become effective leaders by preparing them for the challenges they would face as a result of following him.
6. Not to Worry
Do not be terrified of them. In the Book of Matthew, verse 26
Jesus warned his followers that they would be persecuted and even despised because of their witness for him as they traveled from town to town preaching the gospel. He assured them that “it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you,” a reminder that God would be with them while they talked. Luke 10:20
A leader must have bravery, and Jesus gives it to his followers by assuring them that God is with them no matter what.
7. Realize how much you’re worth.
If a sparrow were to die for you, it would be worth more than all the sparrows in the world put together. Proverbs 10:31
Throughout his mission, Jesus gave even the most destitute and damaged people in society a sense of value and dignity. He resurrected the dead with a touch, got down on his knees with the adulterous woman, and relaxed with the tax collector. In his earthly mission, God in human form demonstrated the meaning of creation, value, and redemption for his followers. Jesus, well aware of his own significance, urged those who would one day guide his church to recognize their own worth and the worth and dignity of all others.
8. Take Pleasure in His Acknowledgement
If someone publicly recognizes me, I will likewise publicly recognize that person before my heavenly Father. Luke 10:32
A route of exemplifying Christ to a world that may choose to reject not only Jesus but also people who associate themselves with him can be a harsh and tough one. In spite of the bountiful harvest, each decent farmer has tales to tell about the arduous toil in the fields. Jesus has warned his disciples of the hardships and fears they will face on their journey, and now he wants to emphasize the ultimate goal of their work: bringing others into a relationship with God. He is promising his followers that he would pray for them to God.
To be acknowledged by the Creator of the universe and his own Son is the ultimate recompense, one that will last long after all others have faded.
9. The truth might cause strife.
It is the sword, not peace, that I have come with. Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:34
Jesus warns that his teaching would cause strife in families and countries. His message of love for the most vulnerable among us is made offensive by the evil actions and motivations of humanity. In many cases, the truth will cause conflict. Paul writes to the church at Ephesus and tells them that their battle is not against enemies made of flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). Those who are trying to draw others to Christ are aware that the truth might cause strife. When it comes to their relationships with others, they will make an effort to exercise as much knowledge and kindness as they can.
10. Let Go of Your Plan
Anyone who gains their life will lose it, and anyone who gives up their life for my sake will discover it.
To Paul, “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). These lines capture the heart of giving up one’s own plans in order to live for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” is a prayer whose fulfillment Jesus perfectly exemplifies. As Jesus taught his followers the steps they needed to take to bring people into God’s kingdom, he assured them that God’s Spirit would be with them.
To wrap up his teachings to his followers, Jesus said something both simple and profound: “And if anybody gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will surely not lose his reward.” Bible Verses About Love, Matthew 10:42
Relatively straightforward, which is nice. Let it be as you wish.
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