EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for all you have done that enables me to tell others about you.
Read LUKE 9:1-9
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
9 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
‘As we look ahead into the next [21st] century, leaders will be those who empower others.’1
Think Further
Leadership training is a popular and lucrative industry today. The world is desperate for safe and reliable leaders to follow, yet so often disappointed by their failures and shortcomings. In this passage, Jesus models healthy and effective leadership, which begins where all genuine leadership starts: with empowerment. Note that, as Jesus sends out the twelve, the very first thing he does, before even describing what they are to do, is give them power and authority (v 1). This sharing of his authority is the foundation for their ministry and the means by which they will accomplish his instructions.
After this, he gives them instructions so they will know what they are to do (v 2). His instructions relate directly to the empowerment he has just given them – they are to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal those who are ill. This dual proclamation, by both word and deed, demonstrates that the kingdom is both physical and spiritual, that his salvation relates both to the soul and the body. He then gives even more precise instructions about what they should take with them and how they should approach a new town (vs 3,4). He even tells them how to deal with setbacks and rejection (v 5), a crucial component of any empowering leader. Finally, he calls them back so he can continue to train and teach them (v 10).
The disciples have been following and observing Jesus closely. It is now their turn to step out and have a go. These same people will become the leaders of the early church, entrusted to continue Jesus’ ministry, so it is crucial that they gain experience in Jesus’ mission so they can continue to grow and learn.
Apply
As you influence and lead others, what aspects of Jesus’ leadership pattern do you need to incorporate into your own leadership? How can you more effectively empower others?
Closing prayer
Holy Spirit, in all that I am, in all that I say and do, help me to reflect who Jesus is and encourage others to follow him.
Last Updated on August 4, 2023 by kingstar
