Jesus Style Leadership 2 - Love & HeartSample

Investing in Followers

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders will invest more time and effort into some followers.

Read Luke 6:12–16.

Comment

The gospels' writers use the word “disciple” to refer to two different groups. Sometimes they are talking about a large group of followers of Jesus. These disciples must have made a commitment to Jesus because they are differentiated from the general crowd that hung around Jesus (e.g., Luke 6:17). They supported and served Jesus, and some provided financial assistance. But mostly the Gospels use the word “disciple” to refer to the twelve apostles (“sent out ones”). This reading describes how Jesus chose 12 “special” disciples out of the much larger band. The twelve were to get more of Jesus’ time and teaching than the larger group because he saw their potential and was preparing them for leadership roles in the early church. It would be easy to think that if we really loved people, we would give everyone the same amount of attention and time. That seems fair, but it is not possible, and it is not what Jesus did. Jesus-style leaders will prayerfully (6:12) choose some followers to invest in who they believe have greater potential to influence others. This is not favouritism but is a wise and loving use of a leader’s limited time.

Prayer

Please help me to love and serve everyone You put around me. I know that You have a special heart for the broken and hurting, and I want that heart too. But guide me as I choose to specially invest in a few people with the potential to serve you and influence others effectively. Lead me to those who will share my life and maybe my ministry.

Personal Reflection

Do you have any special friends or followers that share your life? Pray for them. Is there anyone you feel led to invest in more?