Texts: Jeremiah 23:1–6; Luke 23:33–43; Colossians 1:11–20

Beloved in Christ, leadership in our world today is often measured by position, title, power, or the ability to command others. But Jesus presents a completely different model. In Mark 10:42–45, He reminds His disciples:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… for the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

When Jesus speaks of greatness, He speaks of service, sacrifice, and selflessness. Therefore, true leadership is not about control but about service. It does not begin on a throne; it begins in the heart.

1. TRUE LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH CHARACTER

Text: Proverbs 11:3 – “The integrity of the upright guides them.”

Every true leader must first be a person of integrity. Leadership begins in the heart before it manifests in public. A leader must be:

Honest, accountable, humble, trustworthy

When character is missing, leadership becomes corruption. When integrity is present, leadership becomes a blessing.

2. TRUE LEADERSHIP IS SERVICE, NOT POSITION

According to Mark 10:45 – “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

Jesus Christ is our perfect model of servant leadership. He washed the feet of His disciples, welcomed children, touched the untouchable, and fed the hungry. True leaders:

Lift others up,

Meet the needs of those they lead,

Do not seek praise,

Are willing to do the “small” tasks

Be mindful that,

Service is not weakness—it is rather the highest form of leadership.

3. TRUE LEADERSHIP IS STEWARDSHIP

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:2 – “It is required that a steward be found faithful.”

Leadership is a trust. Whether it is people, resources, time, or responsibilities, leaders are caretakers of what God has entrusted to them. A true leader does not:

Mismanage

Misuse

Manipulate

Leadership requires responsibility, accountability, and faithfulness.

4. TRUE LEADERSHIP EMPOWERS OTHERS

Text: 2 Timothy 2:2 – “Entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Leadership is not about gathering followers. It is about raising more leaders. True leaders:

Mentor

Train

Encourage

Build capacity

Multiply others

A true leader leaves people better than he found them.

5. TRUE LEADERSHIP DEPENDS ON GOD

Text: Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.”

Leadership is spiritual. Without God’s guidance, leaders lose direction. A true leader must rely on God in:

Prayer

Scripture

Patience

Decision-making

When God leads the leader, the people are well guided.

BIBLICAL JOURNEY OF TRUE LEADERSHIP

Now, let us bring all these truths together through our supporting scriptures—Jeremiah 23, Luke 23, and Colossians 1—which show the full picture of true leadership.

A. FAILED LEADERSHIP CONDEMNED (Jeremiah 23:1–6)

God rebukes the shepherds of Israel for scattering the flock. These leaders:

Abused power

Neglected responsibility

Harmed the people spiritually

But God promises a new kind of leader—the Righteous Branch, a King who will rule with justice and righteousness. This prophecy points directly to Jesus Christ.

Lesson: True leadership begins with caring for the flock and living righteously—not with titles or positions.

B. PERFECT LEADERSHIP EXEMPLIFIED (Luke 23:33–43)

This prophecy is fulfilled on the Cross. At Calvary, Jesus demonstrates the highest form of leadership:

He forgives His enemies

He prays for those who crucify Him

He offers salvation to the dying thief

He places others above Himself even in agony

The Cross becomes the greatest leadership classroom in history.

Lesson: True leaders serve sacrificially and lead people toward hope, life, and restoration.

C. DIVINE LEADERSHIP EXALTED (Colossians 1:11–20)

Paul lifts our eyes to the supremacy of Christ. Jesus is:

The image of the invisible God

The Creator of all things

The One who holds all things together

Head of the Church

The firstborn from the dead

The source of reconciliation and peace

Paul prays that believers be strengthened with power, endurance, and joy—showing that true leaders build people up, not tear them down.

Lesson: True leadership is Christ-centered, stabilizing, life-giving, and empowering.

CONCLUSION

The Bible presents a complete journey of leadership:

1. God condemns failed leadership (Jeremiah 23).

2. Jesus models sacrificial servant leadership (Luke 23).

3. Christ’s supremacy defines the ultimate standard for leadership (Colossians 1).

Therefore, true leadership is character, service, stewardship, Empowerment, Dependence on God.

Above all, true leadership looks like Jesus Christ—the Servant Leader, the Righteous Shepherd, and the Lord of all.

May we all learn to lead like Christ. Amen.

BY: Rev. Sylvanus Yao Kpodonu