Leadership and Service
A Bible Study in Mark 10 and John 13
by Jeff Barneson
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| Note: This study is intended to be preceded by the Bible study, Power
and Influence.
Each fall the incoming class is welcomed to the Harvard Business School by
the dean with words which are flattering and true:
"You are the leaders. You are the best, the brightest, la crème
de la crème, the cream of the crop, etc. The future is in your hands
and we are looking for great things from you."
We are leaders, whether we're at Harvard or not. By virtue of our gifts and
opportunities we've had, we will be looked to to provide leadership in a variety
of business, community, and church positions. |
The Scripture and Background
These two snapshots from the life of Jesus give us a glimpse at how Jesus
led — and how he calls us to lead:
Mark 10:35-45
Two disciples approach Jesus and request of him positions of leadership.
While we cannot with certainty know their motivation in coming to Jesus it
may be that they were ambitious truly to do good. Perhaps they were only looking
for security ( a secure position in an expanding "industry" where
Jesus would be CEO).
It may be that the other disciples became indignant because they hadn't thought
to ask first.
Jesus says he is unable to grant the positions they seek.
Jesus contrasts the "gentile" approach ("exercising authority")
with that which should characterize his disciples ("servants" and "slaves").
He points to himself as the prime example.
John 13:1-5, 12-15
The night before Jesus was to be crucified he washed the disciples feet. Historically
it was the job of the lowest person (servant or slave) to wash the feet of
visitors. Jesus strips himself and washes the feet of his disciples.
This was to be an example for the disciples — the lord and teacher took the
position and performed that tasks of the lowest.
Issues Raised
What is the relationship between "position" and leadership?
If the Jesus rejects the model of "authority" and "lording
it over" as illegitimate among Christians, is it right for us to use that
model in "the world" (corporations, schools, institutions, etc.)?
How should we function in institutions which don't acknowledge God and play
by different rules?
Does following Jesus' example mean that our leadership must renounce "power" as
a means of accomplishing goals (the towel vs. the throne)?
Discussion Questions
What are the most popular current models of leaders and leadership styles?
From the passages, what are some of the elements of the leadership that Jesus
describes and demonstrates? What does he mean by "servant" and "slave"?
Is this model of leadership practical? Can it work in the marketplace or in
an office? What are the points of tension and common ground with current leadership
models?
What could it mean to "wash the feet" of your classmates? Your roommates?
Your professors?
Read this statement from The Samaritan's Posture by Gordon Cosby. Is
it possible to "advance" in the corporation and still maintain a "downward
journey"? How?
"Part of the scandal of the Gospel is that when you meet the abandoned,
crucified Messiah, he grabs you and you belong to him. Wherever you are in
privilege and power and status and opportunity, you start the movement down,
not up.... One keeps going down and down until one is identified with the
victimized poor wherever they are scattered throughout the earth. Wherever
you see them and hear about them, you know that your lot is cast with them,
that they are your people."
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