I have always viewed Jesus as a great leader, but have learned through this program how his leadership principles may be applied in a business setting. Jesus exemplified three key principles of leadership: sacrifice, leading by example, and team structure organization. In these three areas, Jesus showed us through his life how to be better leaders.

Sacrifice:

Often times we focus on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, his life through his crucifixion. Though this was by far the most Jesus could have sacrificed, he also showed us sacrifices through his entire life. Jesus sacrificed his friendships as a child. When he could have been out playing and running around with kids his own age, the Bible tells us in Luke Chapter 2 that Jesus sat in the temple with the scholars and scribes. Jesus knew his purpose on Earth and had already begun to sacrifice for the bigger picture. Jesus also sacrificed his pride, a great lesson for all leaders. He could have come to Earth as a conqueror or ruler, but he chose to come as a humble man in humble circumstances. Jesus chose to let the people see him in whatever way they chose, despite being the "true light" (John 1:9 NLT) to humanity. On the way to crucifixion, Jesus sacrificed his bodily health. He was "whipped" and "beaten" so that we could be "healed" and "whole" (Isaiah 53:5 NLT). Jesus could have stopped his own suffering at any moment, could have even inflicted suffering on his accusers. But he chose not to. He "never said a word" (Isaiah 53:7 NLT) for the sake of humanity.

As business leaders, the sacrifice is not as brutal as what Jesus went through. We are not asked in most lines of work to go through beatings and abuses, to have our names dragged through the dirt, or to give up our friends and family entirely. However, a good leader has to be willing to prioritize and sacrifice time. I sacrifice time with my family every day by going to work, but I do so because I see the bigger picture. I know that the money I make provides a better life for my family. In the same way, I have to prioritize my time at home. I put my family above my tedious desires, choosing to play with my son than watch TV.

Leading by Example

Jesus led the disciples by example. In Matthew 5:40, he said that when struck, you should turn the other cheek. He continually showed kindness and grace to those who did him wrong. John 1 talks about how Jesus came to the world to save the lost, though he was rejected by his own people. In the garden, when a disciple sliced off the ear of a soldier taking Jesus, Jesus healed the soldier. Jesus taught love and acceptance of imperfect people. He did not excuse sin, but also did not stand separate from sinners. Jesus taught the disciples by taking time to teach children, by talking to the woman at the well of ill-disputed character, and by going in to the house of the dishonest tax collector.

In business, leaders and managers must lead by example. The manager who tells his staff to stay late, but leaves the minute the clock strikes 5:00pm, is not garnering respect. People want to work for and follow leaders who can be trusted to do what they say they will do. The great generals of history were not the ones who gave orders from a protected place, but those who

marched in front into battle. A manager or leader should exhibit servant leadership, leading others in a way that shows respect and affirms the importance of every employee, no matter what job they do.

Team Structure Organization:

Jesus knew that an effective team must be comprised of individuals from different backgrounds, with different skills and experiences. He picked disciples from different walks of life: tax collectors, fishermen, etc. He knew that the different men would work together to create a strong team.

Additionally, Jesus knew that the disciples would have to have some core commonalities to be successful. Jesus chose reliable disciples to surround him. As Jan Gordon said in Quality Coaching, "when we give our word, we create an expectation for others." A leader does have to keep in mind that choosing reliable people does not mean you can expect perfection. Each of the disciples – Judas in his betrayal, Peter in his denial, etc – disappointed Jesus at some point. Jesus also knew that a team is only as good as their collective ability to communicate. Jesus communicated clearly with his disciples. He made sure that they knew the big picture goal and the milestones and difficulties they would pass on their journey. In Matthew 10, Jesus communicates his expectations and directions clearly, going into detail about what the disciples would face and how they should deal with situations.

Lastly, Jesus chose men who would have passion for his purpose. He knew that a passion for the Gospel and a strong demonstrated love for God and people would be necessary to save the lost. He had to have passionate followers in order for his world changing gospel to continue to be shared after he physically left Earth.

Leaders must choose team members with diversity in mind, but also with key personality qualities in mind. A team can have members from all walks of life and experiences, with different ways of thinking. However, the members of the team must all demonstrate reliability, good communication skills, and excitement in order to accomplish great things.

Jesus provided business leaders with the best example of how to lead. He was a servant leader, leading with the best interests of his team and "customers" in mind rather than his own selfish desires. He led by example, never expecting others to sacrifice more than himself. And he chose a diverse group of people to accomplish his mission, to carry the gospel to the world.