Jeremiah 23:1–6; Colossians 1:11–20; Luke 23:33–43
True leadership pulses through Scripture like a heartbeat, which is a reflection for us today. You should never assume this topic is for politicians, CEOs, Pastors, or Church leaders alone. Every one of us is entrusted with people to love, choices that shape others, and spheres of influence where Christ calls us to shine unto others.
Whether you are leading a family, a ministry, a workplace team, or even leading your own heart, Scripture has something to say to you today on leadership.
True Leadership Defined
Leadership, according to Myles Munroe, "Is the capacity to influence others through inspiration, generated by a passion, motivated by a vision, birthed by a conviction that is produced by a purpose." True leaders are inspired, have passion, catch a vision, and influence a purpose. True leadership is the ability to inspire and influence others with a clear vision to fulfill a purpose.
True Leaders Shepherd and Heal
Jeremiah steps into a crisis moment in Israel’s history. The shepherds, being Israel’s kings, priests, and prophets, were expected to guard, feed, and protect God’s flock, but were focused on their selfish gains and the destruction of the people of God. God cried out, saying,
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” (Jer. 23:1)
These were leaders who used people rather than served them. Instead of guarding and influencing with inspired purpose, they consumed and destroyed the people. Instead of gathering, they scattered them. Instead of guiding, they terrified and misguided. But God does not leave His people without leadership. He promises them true leadership. God says,
“I myself will gather the remnant...” I will place shepherds over them. “…I will raise up for David a righteous Branch… and He shall reign wisely... This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Saviour” (Jer. 23:3–6)
You can see from the text that the prophetic spotlight is moving toward Jesus Christ as the Shepherd-King and the True Leader.
Jesus Christ, The True Leader
Paul lifts our eyes to the cosmic Christ by saying, “the image of the invisible God… by whom all things were created.” This is to say the Creator becomes the leader of His creation.
Christ, the true leader, "rescued us from the dominion of darkness." (Colossians 1:13).
Christ holds "all things together", and as a true leader, "Reconcile to Himself all things... through His blood, shed on the cross." (Colossians 1:20).
Looking at the leadership provided in Jeremiah 23:1, where they destroyed and scattered the people, Jesus Christ, the True Leadership, rescued and reconciled us to God.
So, true leadership is not domineering, but self-giving love. It is not condemnation, but redemption, to reconcile us to God's original purpose.
Paul is teaching us that true leadership begins with the character of Christ. If Christ leads through sacrifice, humility, and reconciliation, then leadership in His kingdom must also reflect these qualities.
Note this: True Leadership is Christ's leadership, that is, leadership for others.
Christ Reigns even on the Cross
In Luke’s Gospel, we see the King, the true leader promised in the prophecy of Jeremiah, the Head of the Church as depicted in Colossians, being crucified between two criminals.
The true leader is mocked; the inscription, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS,” the sneer on Him, “Save yourself." But one thief sees what everyone else misses, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42). Even on the cross, Jesus was reigning in His Kingdom.
And Jesus, in the midst of agony, demonstrates true leadership with a simple statement, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Jesus leads not by escaping suffering, but by sacrificing himself. He shepherds not by avoiding the wolves, but by laying down His life for the sheep.
True leadership is servant leadership. It is shepherd leadership. It is Christlike leadership.
True leadership is stewardship, not ownership. (Jer. 23:3)
True leadership is sacrificial, not self-seeking. (Col. 1:20)
True leadership is shepherding, not controlling. (1 Pet. 5:2-3)
True leadership always smells like Jesus: gentle, strong, sacrificial, wise, patient, healing.
Beloved, when the world discusses leadership, it often means charisma, power, platform, popularity, or performance. Meanwhile, when Scripture touches on true leadership, it is about taking up your cross to follow Jesus.
Conclusion
Precious one, the power to lead as a true leader doesn’t come from sheer willpower. In Colossians, true leadership is “strengthened with all power according to His (Christ's) glorious might.” We lead from Christ, through Christ, and for Christ.
Amen.
