Leadership—You know what it is, and you know what it is not, but if you were asked directly, how would you define it?

Defining leadership is a little like nailing jello to the wall. It is a very elusive and slippery proposition. Most people are unable to give a verbal definition. They know that leadership involves many things. It is about good judgment and decision-making. It is about inspiring others to accomplish more than they thought they could or keep them focused on a task through to completion. Webster’s defines leadership as the position or guidance of a leader, the ability to lead. That is like defining a flower as something green that rises up. It does not express the nature and characteristics of a flower. I present this little dilemma to you to draw your attention to a very important aspect of our faith. I want you to consider the Messiah’s style of leadership. How does the Messiah lead us?

Leadership—You know what it is, and you know what it is not, but if you were asked directly, how would you define it?

Defining leadership is a little like nailing jello to the wall. It is a very elusive and slippery proposition. Most people are unable to give a verbal definition. They know that leadership involves many things. It is about good judgment and decision-making. It is about inspiring others to accomplish more than they thought they could or keep them focused on a task through to completion. Webster’s defines leadership as the position or guidance of a leader, the ability to lead. That is like defining a flower as something green that rises up. It does not express the nature and characteristics of a flower. I present this little dilemma to you to draw your attention to a very important aspect of our faith. I want you to consider the Messiah’s style of leadership. How does the Messiah lead us?

We all know that we should follow the Messiah’s example. As leaders of fellowships and congregations, we should know what the Messiah’s leadership style is. By the way, everyone needs to know this. Leaders need to know it to lead effectively and members need to know it to recognize appropriate behavior or discern inappropriate behavior in the leaders they decide to follow.

Let me begin by sharing an experience I had many years ago. I was invited to a men’s prayer luncheon. These were professional men who gathered once a month in their city to pray and encourage one another in the Lord at a local restaurant. I was given the opportunity to share a few words (about 15 minutes worth) while scarfing down a sandwich in the midst of fifty guys giving each other cheerful greetings. However, my comments were not received as encouragement by everyone. I spoke about the future judgment of God and that we needed to be prepared. Many there believed in the pretribulation rapture, and it became clear that I was not giving the standard “party line.” One man approached me after the meeting, and I could tell by his watery eyes and tone that he wanted to take issue with me.

He first stated that my comments were “very subjective” as opposed to “objective.” I did not disagree; instead, I agreed completely. I explained to him that 15 minutes did not afford me the opportunity to lay out all the facts and be objective about the subject. Because of the shortness of time, I cut right to the chase and presented the topic in a subjective manner. He seemed disappointed that I had agreed with him. I had the distinct thought that he was looking for some disagreement ammunition for his gun so he could shoot me.

He then shifted to another question. “How old are you?” I answered, “Forty-seven years, sir.” I think he was a little surprised given my healthy young look. So, I asked him back, “How old are you, sir?” He answered immediately with “Sixty-four years.”

In those moments, the air of the restaurant was still and tense. The remaining men had ceased from their conversations. They focused on us and could sense that conflict was present. I could sense it also and was asking the Lord what He wanted to do with this man.

Suddenly, my mouth opened and I heard myself say, “So, do you think that makes a difference?” My voice was firm and direct. He looked back at me eye to eye. “Yes… Yes, I do.” “How so?” I asked. “Well, I am in a different station of life than you,” he answered. “You’re right, you are in a different station of life,” I replied. “But, do you want to know what makes a difference?” He was silent like everyone in the room at the moment. My mouth gave answer. “Being anointed makes a difference! That is why the Messiah was different from all others. He is the Anointed One. And, when you go to minister to others you had better be anointed to the task so that you speak in His authority, not the authority of men.”

I have never forgotten that moment. Not only did I experience God’s Spirit, but the content of the statement was profound and clear. The conflict was over; it was settled right there. There was peace.

The Messiah met with many people in direct situations. The gospels recorded many conversations for us. He engaged the people directly to their hearts and fielded questions with power and wisdom. In many instances, He won over the hearts of the people by turning the issue or conflict into a shining example of wisdom.

Godly wisdom was not the only characteristic of the Messiah’s leadership. Next, we will consider another style of leadership: Physical appearance is not important. Did you know that when those in authority went to arrest Yeshua, they had to hire someone to identify Him?

Think about that for a moment. Yeshua wanted the people to hear His message; it was a message of life. Yet, He did not promote His appearance whatsoever. Sure, He had been in the temple and in public places many times—He didn’t hide Himself. However, the religious leaders and the Roman officials had not seen Him. The officials could not identify Him in person face to face. They only knew about Him through others and what was said about Him. He did not make His appearance distinct.

If you have seen any pictures depicting Yeshua, they all share something in common which is not like Yeshua at all. You probably know what I am referring to. The Messiah is always the nice looking guy, slight smile, about medium height, with beautiful shining hair and that cream colored tunic (everyone else is wearing some old brown housecoat). The truth is that Yeshua wore the same clothes as the other disciples; you could not distinguish Him from anyone else in the crowd. In fact, there is some evidence in the Scripture to suggest that He was not handsome at all.

Consider the leadership style of other men. It seems that appearance is right at the top for everyone else. I am sure you have heard the saying, “Clothes make the man,” Clothes are representative of a leader’s position and power (wealth). Generals look different from soldiers. Officers like to look different from the troops, except when they do not want to get shot by the enemy. Men make their initial judgments about one another based on the outward appearance. Kings must always look like kings, or else they will not have their kingly power and prestige.

This point was particularly true when Yeshua was brought before Pilate the first time. The temple elders accused Him of claiming to be a King, but He clearly didn’t look like a king.

Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Yeshua and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Yeshua answered, "Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?" John 18:33-34

Yeshua’s question to Pilate put the conflict in perspective. Here was Pilate, the Roman leader, being asked to judge a matter on the basis of what others were saying (hearsay) instead of actual evidence. There was nothing in Yeshua’s appearance that would suggest to Pilate that He considered Himself to be a king.

Leadership is all about good judgment and proper decision-making. Every day leaders make judgment calls and decisions affecting lives. They are supposed to do it based on evidence and after searching for the truth. They are not to make judgments as many do based solely on outward things, or especially on the words of others in the form of hearsay. Yeshua’s question confronted Pilate with the fact that he only had hearsay and no evidence with which to judge Him. Pilate knew instantly that Yeshua was right, so he proceeded to deflect the judgment away from himself, upon those who brought Him.

Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?" John 18:35

Pilate is now speaking the truth. Others who had already judged Him brought him to Pilate. With that understood, Yeshua now addresses the Roman Governor.

Yeshua answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Yeshua answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:36-37

This is an amazing answer. Pilate is now calling Yeshua a king on the basis of one conversation. Maybe you could ask, how do you know Yeshua is a king of another world? However, the real question here is, is there any evidence of wrongdoing, and what is the truth in this matter? Thus, Pilate asks.

Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no guilt in Him.” John 18:38

At this point, Yeshua has confronted Pilate with the fact that there was no evidence of wrongdoing. He may or may not be a king, which is a different matter. Therefore, Pilate properly concludes that Yeshua is not guilty of any wrongdoing that he could render judgment.

Nevertheless, from the beginning the elders of the temple were not going to accept a “not guilty” judgment. So, Pilate tried to trade off a man named Barabbas, which means “Son of the Father” in place of Yeshua, “the King of the Jews.”

Pilate’s attempt to appease those who accused Him was in vain. Instead of letting the truth carry the day, Pilate capitulated to the demands of the temple elders, and, therefore, he had Yeshua scourged and mocked. But this still was not enough to satisfy His accusers. They demanded His death.

Once again, Pilate asked Yeshua more questions, trying to get some kind of evidence to support his “not guilty” judgment. He asked further questions like, “Where are you from?” Then suddenly Yeshua would not answer. Pilate was frustrated. He tried to leverage Yeshua into answering by using his position and authority as the Roman governor.

So Pilate said to Him, “You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” John 19:10

This is typical of many leaders today. If things do not seem to be going your way, use the power of your position and title. Use intimidation and the threat of force. The problem is that personal power does not work on one who is a superior power. A governor is going to threaten the King of all kings? A man is going to threaten God? Here is a little wisdom for leaders: If you have to revert to your positional authority in any dispute, you have lost the war. Yeshua’s answer is even more insightful about leadership.

Yeshua answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me up to you has the greater sin.” John 19: 11

Pilate was at a total loss. His ability to judge was compromised. His position and authority were useless. He was in the middle of something bigger than himself and he didn’t even qualify as one of the principals in the dispute. He was a minor piece in this chess game.

As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.” John 19:12

We look at the story of this man Pilate and see a man who was trapped in a leadership system without any good choices. This is the same problem for most pastors and religious leaders of Christianity of today.

The Messiah’s leadership style is not like that of Pilate. He did not need position or title to accomplish His tasks. Have you ever noticed that Yeshua did not go around telling everyone that He was the Messiah? He would let others come to that conclusion on their own. Even when He was asked directly, He would not say it specifically. There are a couple of instances where this topic did come up though. They are particularly noteworthy and illustrate some of the leadership style of the Messiah.

I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. John 5:30

This is huge! Here is the Messiah saying that He cannot execute His own initiative. How many leaders have you known who assert their self-will? They automatically think that leadership means they have to do something to prove that they are the leader. Yeshua said that He was under the authority of His Father and not there for His own will. Think about the definition again for the Messiah—the Anointed One. Someone had to have anointed Him, right? Being under authority and staying within that authority is of paramount importance to be a successful leader.

Remember the discussion between the Centurion and Yeshua who sought out the Messiah’s help.

And a centurion's slave, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die. When he heard about Yeshua, he sent some Jewish elders asking Him to come and save the life of his slave. When they came to Yeshua, they earnestly implored Him, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves our nation, and it was he who built us our synagogue.” Now Yeshua started on His way with them; and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself further, for I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Luke 7:2-8

First, the Centurion did not send his own servants, but instead, he requested others who could give good testimony to speak for him. When Yeshua was about to arrive, the Centurion appealed through yet others (not himself) to only ask for a “word” from Yeshua because he recognized Yeshua’s authority to do God’s work. He knew that authority worked in this way and he had submitted completely to the Messiah’s authority. Yeshua’s answer draws attention to the centurion’s proper understanding as a leader.

Now when Yeshua heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that was following Him, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” Luke 7:9

Before going back to Yeshua’s statements of His own initiative, let us review when the religious leaders came challenging Yeshua and His source of authority. This conversation came late in His ministry.

On one of the days while He was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders confronted Him, and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?” Yeshua answered and said to them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell Me: “Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?” They reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ “But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Yeshua said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Luke 20:1-8

Yeshua rightly sensed that the question of His authority was only the preamble of a challenge and dispute. Many leaders face having their authority challenged. Where did you get your authority, your education, your ordination, and your credentials? Many leaders use their credentials and background as their platform for leadership. The Messiah’s platform for leadership is heaven – there is no higher platform for a person who is anointed.

Early in my own ministry, I fielded this same type of question. I was directly challenged on this leadership characteristic of “being a man under authority” by my own Messianic Jewish brethren. The brother who questioned me was a Messianic Rabbi of a large congregation in a major city. He was the President of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. He clearly was a man with title and position. At the time, I held a weekly Torah study with 50 people and just started my public ministry. (In those days, this newsletter called YAVOH was sent just to my immediate family and friends.) He challenged me directly by asking who or what organization I was submitted to. I answered him from the Messiah’s example. “I am submitted to any brother who is submitted to the Messiah. Do you know any brethren that are submitted to the Messiah?” The President did not answer me and has not spoken with me since.

The Messiah’s style of leadership is based on performance, not on what is said by Himself about Himself. In fact, He stated it succinctly this way.

If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true. John 5:31

The witness of others is more important than what you say about yourself. In the case of Yeshua, He had the testimony of John the Baptist from the very beginning. This is how his first disciples began to follow him.

There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true. You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. John 5:32-33

However, as you will see, the witness of others is not the exclusive testimony of His leadership, nor should it be of ours.

But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me. And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. John 5:34-40

For the Messiah, and for any spiritual leader of today, the testimony of God Himself is of greater importance than the best testimony of any group of men. Therefore, just because many people follow a leader or think highly of him, that is not sufficient as a measure of his leadership. It is only part of the measure. The more powerful measure is what God thinks of his leadership.

I share this little word picture to make this point to leaders about having a good testimony among the brethren. I am not impressed with how quickly the shepherd gets across the creek; I am impressed by how many sheep the shepherd gets across the creek. At the same time, the shepherd must be willing to give himself for the flock but never forgets the flock belongs to His master.

Yeshua once asked His disciples directly about what they thought of Him. He began by asking what other men said about Him.

Now when Yeshua came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” Matthew 16:13-14

The disciples accurately reflected what people were saying about Yeshua. The people were saying diverse and inaccurate things. Just for a moment, consider what others were saying.

John the Baptist. Yeshua had been with him earlier and Yeshua was known for baptizing people just like John. Many considered John to be a prophet. But the disciples knew John the Baptist was a different man from Yeshua of Nazareth.

Elijah. Now that’s interesting. Elijah was a commanding figure in the history of Israel and he was prophesied to come. Didn’t Yeshua say something about the spirit of Elijah?

Jeremiah. He was a great prophet of Judah. Maybe he had come back, but there was no prophecy that foretold that, was there? Or, one of the prophets. Well, we know He was saying something about God, so He must be some kind of prophet, right?

Here is another little piece of wisdom about leadership: The larger the following of the leader the greater the persona of the leader. Persona is what the people want to believe about the leader, and many times it is not based on fact. One of the greatest mistakes a leader can make is to believe his own persona. He starts believing in his title and forgets his own name. This is where true humility is essential. Yeshua cut right through the persona and directed the disciples to the truth.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Yeshua said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17

The Spirit of God leads us into all truth. The Spirit of God will lead us through the evidence so that the truth is clear. The evidence will also be pure and unmolested by the motives and biases of men. Why didn’t Yeshua just say He was the Messiah? Because, it is better said by others who have no glory to gain. Saying it of Himself would be self-serving.

Maybe this is why the Messiah spoke so directly about the prestige and titles that leaders like to pursue.

… “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things, and do not do them. They tie up heavy burdens, and lay them on men's shoulder,; but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries, and lengthen the tassels of their garments. Matthew 23:2-5

The chair of Moses is the position of authority and responsibility for God’s flock. It is good that there are those who are willing to take on such a burden of responsibility, but it is not to be an opportunity for exploitation. It is also not a position for further enhancement of the leader. The leadership style of most men is to make the leader look so good that the people will follow. Yes, it is true that we need a leader and that the people need a leader they can respect, but the leadership style of the Messiah is based on real substance - not the fluff on a resume. The modern day equivalent of broadened phylacteries and lengthened tassels is educational credentials and ordination certificates. The resulting titles of Doctor, Rabbi, and Pastor will guarantee you two things: Yes, you will get in trouble if you question him and no, he will not help you carry the garbage out.

They love the place of honor at banquets, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Messiah. Matthew 23:6-10

This passage does not say that there are no rabbis, teachers, fathers, or leaders here on the earth. There are many titles that reflect the work done by various brethren. Take for example the fellow who does the plumbing work named “John.” When he goes to work, he has a blue shirt with his name “John” embroidered right over his heart. He is a plumber. But, he is not a plumber because he has blue shirt with his name on it. He is a plumber because he comes to your house and expertly fixes the leaking faucet, replaces the hot water heater, and plumbs a new water line.

But, what would you think if John insisted that you refer to him only as “Plumber John.” What if everyone did that? What if everyone had to be called by a title? Carpenter Mike, Captain Bill, First Baseman Bob, and Garbage Man Don. Why would they insist on addressing them with their job title before saying their name? Are they that insecure in their command of human respect? Wouldn’t it be silly?

Now don’t get me wrong. I believe honor should be given where honor is due. I think it is fine if someone wants to honor another for his fine work, once the work is already done. But, I think the title by itself, particularly to gain respect from others is exactly what the Messiah was referring to.

Let us call someone a teacher because he teaches well. Let us call someone a rabbi because they have shown themselves good at teaching the Word of God. Let us call someone a leader after they have led others well. Let us use a title to reflect accurately what the person does, not to demand respect. Let us remember that we are all brothers under the same Almighty God.

Using titles like these in a congregation of brethren, particularly by the leader, is the first step in “lording it over” the brethren. The Messiah is the Lord and even He does not “lord it over” us.

But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12

This is the defining element of the Messiah’s leadership style. He was a servant and humbled Himself for our benefit of us. At the same time, He was the Messiah.

In sharp contrast, we have many leaders of the Messiah’s flock who do the opposite of the Messiah. They prefer the leadership style of the world. They believe the path to good leadership is to promote and bless the leader. This includes such outward things as:

He should look handsome. He should have a fine title and everyone should know it. He should command great respect and support. He should be attired in a special way so others can easily distinguish him in the midst of the crowd. And he should never be called upon to do any mundane tasks that normal people do on a daily basis, such as take out the garbage.

Contrast the Messiah. He never promoted Himself; He promoted His Father. He chose humility over pride. He journeyed to the people to minister and heal. He hid in plain sight among the people, dressed unremarkably, and was known primarily for the content of His word and by His actual deeds. And, He is known for taking the garbage (our sins) out of our lives.

Humility (not seeking title) and service (deeds) are the basis of the Messiah’s leadership style. However, following are a couple of specific and practical matters that also marked His style.

Exercising Good Judgment and Decision Making Skills.

If you examine Paul’s instruction for elders and deacons, you will find one common thread of wisdom. Consider the following traits that are essential to the work of overseer and congregational servant.

It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, prudent prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?); and not a new convert, so that he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Messiah Yeshua. 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Did you notice the one leadership factor that was common in all of the characteristics listed? Did you notice that everything had to do with the ability to make good judgments and decisions without personal bias? The one that stands out most is how you lead your own house. If you cannot manage your own household well, how will you manage the family of God?

The Personal Title you DO want to pursue.

Wait, I thought we were not to pursue titles that are descriptions of the work we do. Yes, that is right. Nevertheless, there is a title we do want to pursue, yet it is not one you hear often today. The bond-servant of Yeshua the Messiah.

Paul, John, Peter, James, etc. all referred to themselves as the bond-servants of Yeshua. Others called them Apostles. You do not need to pursue the title Rabbi, Pastor, Elder, or anything else. Others can call you that after you do the work. You need to pursue being a servant bound by the love for God and let Him exalt you in His time.

If you are a Messianic Rabbi or Pastor reading this and someone gave you this article, let me speak with you personally. First, they are trying to help you, not hurt you. Stop following the world’s style of leadership. Look to the Messiah for how to lead His flock and do His work. He is your best example. Look around you. Consider the position of those who think they are doing so well and accomplishing so much by elevating and promoting themselves in the faith. Remember the words of Messiah.

When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, so that they may seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Matthew 6:5

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:14

When you add up the characteristics of the Messiah’s leadership style, you come away with a caring, unpretentious, humble, wise man who spoke the truth in love. Scripture admonishes us to follow His example – all of us, not just church or congregational leaders. There are teachers, bosses, coaches, and parents (to name a few) who lead and are in turn examples to others. We should all consider Yeshua’s example for our lives and work it out in our lives, to be a blessing to others that they would see Messiah in us. That is part of coming to the knowledge of the Son of God.