Variety: Mark 10v42-45

42 Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ (Mark 10:42-45) 

What makes a good leader? And how could the approach of Jesus offer insight?

First, good leadership is rooted in service rather than self-interest (Mark 10:42–45). True leadership seeks the good of others. Many enter politics with a genuine desire to serve, but when leaders cling to power, dodge responsibility, or put personal ambition first, public trust evaporates.

Second, leaders should possess vision, purpose, and the means to act. Jesus didn’t simply announce that the kingdom of God was near (Mark 1:15) – he described what it looked like (Luke 13:18) and took concrete steps to bring it about. While political leaders cannot deliver the kingdom of God – and should not claim to – they can clearly articulate their vision of a just and flourishing society, along with the practical means to achieve it.

Third, leaders must see the world as it is. They should listen to the concerns of the people they serve, especially those in forgotten communities. Jesus spent the majority of his time with ordinary people – tax collectors, fishermen, labourers, and outcasts – not just the elites.

Finally, leaders need a team. Jesus gathered a diverse group, trained and supported them, and then entrusted them with responsibility. Good leaders equip others to lead.

The demands of leadership are immense, and often costly. Yet good leadership has the power to renew our common life, and we all have opportunities to lead, whoever we are and wherever God has placed us.

Paul Woolley