This week we are going to look at the Leadership style of Jesus. When we read the scripture below Mark 9:33-37 we see that Jesus does not confront the Person (people) – but He confronts the Problem. Many of us want to go directly to the person and deal with the problem head on. When we go after the person they usually get defensive and want to either fight back or take flight. Jesus did not go after the person He went after the problem. When there is a problem that exists (no matter how big or small) it is always better to stand ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ with someone and you both examine the problem…than it is to stand ‘Nose to Nose’ and argue the problem.
Mark 9.33-37 (NRS) "Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’
We can always make improvements in the way we deal with people. Jesus is our model. The ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ approach is a WIN WIN proposition. The ‘Nose to Nose’ approach is a WIN=LOSE proposition (actually, a LOSE=LOSE; ex: husband & wife argument; parent & child argument; boss & employee argument). We see that Jesus (wisely) chooses to ask a simple question. Look at (v.33b) “What was it you disputed (discussed) among yourselves on the road?” The first thing this question did was to let the disciples know that Jesus was watching them, (a good leader is aware of what’s going on). The second thing this question did was to let the disciples know that Jesus was waiting for an answer, (a good leader makes those under him accountable).By the way, all of us are accountable to someone. And, we all need that accountability, (none of us are so spiritual; so mature that we do not need what accountability gives us, (parameters; boundaries).
Then we see the disciples ‘answer’ to Jesus’ question? Look at (v.34a) “But they kept silent”. Silence is a definite answer. The disciples thought that by not saying anything they were hiding something from Jesus, but nothing could be further from truth. This just shows their ignorance about who Jesus is.
When the disciples don’t step up and acknowledge their wrong attitudes…Jesus takes the next step as a Christian Leader he corrects them. He is not afraid to ‘Correct’ them.
We will look at more on this tomorrow. For today when a problem arises ask yourself, "How can I correct the problem not the person to begin with?" This will keep the people you love and desire to lead from bumping heads with you and come along shoulder to shoulder so you can work together.
Then we see the disciples ‘answer’ to Jesus’ question? Look at (v.34a) “But they kept silent”. Silence is a definite answer. The disciples thought that by not saying anything they were hiding something from Jesus, but nothing could be further from truth. This just shows their ignorance about who Jesus is.
When the disciples don’t step up and acknowledge their wrong attitudes…Jesus takes the next step as a Christian Leader he corrects them. He is not afraid to ‘Correct’ them.
We will look at more on this tomorrow. For today when a problem arises ask yourself, "How can I correct the problem not the person to begin with?" This will keep the people you love and desire to lead from bumping heads with you and come along shoulder to shoulder so you can work together.
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