Men's Leadership

The guy who abuses the loyalty of his wife, kids, or employees out of a sense of superiority or privilege is a fool, squandering his ability to have any positive influence over them. That’s because authority in theory does not guarantee influence in reality. A police office may have a badge that gives him authority, but if he’s dealing with a drug dealer who doesn’t respect that authority, his influence is nil.

Jesus knew that moral authority was a more effective tool of leadership than authority granted from on high. Moral authority is real influence, and can’t be bought, sold, or granted. It can only be earned.

God granted Jesus dominion over mankind, but Jesus earned the influence he had over his disciples over the course of thirty years on earth. He lived, loved, taught, and served. He earned the trust of his followers through a consistent example of sacrificial leadership that placed his followers needs over his own. All of the authority of God Almighty couldn’t accomplish what Jesus’ years of sacrificial ministry accomplished: loyalty and lasting personal influence.

Think about this:

1. Over whom did Jesus have authority?
2. On whom did Jesus have an influence?

They are not necessarily the same people. As God, Jesus had authority over all of his creation. As a leader, he had influence only over those who respected him and therefore were interested in responding to his message.

Jesus had authority given to him by God the Father, yet some chose to reject that authority. He did speak authoritatively:

Matthew 7:28-29 – When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

But the Chief Shepherd lowered himself to become a sheep. In so doing, Jesus left an indelible mark on humanity that has lasted for over two millennia.

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