Studying the life of Jesus reveals numerous marks of greatness that point to His leadership. As we considered yesterday, Jesus demonstrated compassion regarding the needs of others.

Another characteristic of His leadership was the ability to address matters of greater and more significant importance.

The disciples constantly questioned Jesus about matters of the kingdom, especially a physical emphasis.

The response given by Jesus answered their immediate inquisition, but He directed their attention deeper into matters that were more spiritual in nature.

One example involved the concern of the disciples over the destruction of the temple, the sign of His coming, and the end of the age.

While Jesus addressed their concerns with information related to the signs prior to this event, He took them further into the events surrounding the judgment day.

He wanted them to know that something greater than the destruction of the temple was coming and the reason for teaching them this truth was to prepare themselves and others for that day.

Our leadership is the same; we are to prepare others for that day.

The idea of leadership greatness is quite subjective. However, we discover qualities and characteristics of many historical figures that left a mark of greatness in their leadership.

We do not have time to cover all of these historical leadership mentors, but we do have time to examine the mark of greatness left by Jesus as a leader.

One of the qualities Jesus demonstrated, instrumental in drawing others to Him, was compassion.

Several times throughout the gospels, scripture points to the compassion of Jesus. He was compassionate to those both physically and spiritually in need.

His compassion was more than a feeling of sympathy over their distress; it moved Him to act in ways that met the need.

Leaders who follow the example of Jesus realize the value of this compassionate approach. An awareness of the pressing needs of others is an important component, but compassionate leaders seek ways to get involved to help meet the need.

Pray God will strengthen us all with a compassion that is aware of our environment and willing to help others.

Scripture makes some interesting declaratives in application to living the Christian life. One of those statements is found in Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus.

Slaves are to render obedience to their masters with sincerity, as though they were serving Christ, not by way of eye service, simply to please an earthly master.

We live in a society that thrives on image; there is great concern for the appearance of things, how others see us.

Sadly, many people render service only to an earthly master. The concern is limited to doing the least amount of work possible rather than excelling beyond what is required.

The beauty of godly leaders is demonstrated when they constantly strive to please the Lord. In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul expressed that pleasing the Lord should be our ambition.

People are watching: our children and spouse, people at work and our neighborhood, as well as fellow Christians. When we consider our conduct before others, is it because we want to please those who are watching or is our motive to please God?

Only God and you know the answer.

One of, if not, the greatest challenge facing biblical leaders involves the uncompromising conviction of truth.

Not during the times of comfort does this moment become critical, but when difficulties of a physical, social, or financial nature press in on the well-being of leaders.

The moment of truth is not measured by what a leader hopes, desires, or thinks might be needed.

The moment of truth is measured by what a leader does, the stand that is taken, and the demonstration of character when it is not popular with the majority.

The time comes in the life of every person when they must decide how they are going to act or react to the environment or circumstances before them.

In that moment, the decision that is made determines the effectiveness of each leader.

No pleasure, monetary prize, popularity, or status of prestige is worth compromising the truth and the principles of character that stand behind it.

Leaders are needed who hold to and lead by the truth delivered by God to the world.

Allow the moment of truth to be a definition of true leadership.

A study of leaders and leadership reveals a plethora of information that presents a daunting task of determining what is right and who is the right leader to follow.

Solomon was certainly right when he said, “The writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body” (Ec. 12:12).

However, God provided us with a book that reveals information sufficient for both what is right and who is the right leader to follow.

No greater qualities for leadership are identified today than those addressed throughout the pages of the Bible.

No greater example of leadership can be found than the example left by Jesus.

Dedicating ourselves to learning the truths provided by God and studying the example of Jesus will result in a godly leader.

There is no better way to honor and glorify God than by leading with our eyes focused on Jesus and our hearts devoted to the following the depths of His word.

When followers have this example in earthly leaders, they will follow the right leader.

Studies in the area of culture reveal numerous facts important to the direction of leading. While culture is a relative term, we do know that culture is connected to cultivating, gardening.

However, culture is defined as the beliefs, customs, arts, etc. of a particular society, group of people, time and place. Culture is characterized by a way of thinking, belief, or behavior.

We can say that culture is an environment cultivated by the people who participate in that environment.

Our world is a multi-cultural place. Also, we find numerous cultures within cultures. There are work cultures, educational cultures, religious cultures, age and gender specific cultures, and the list is unending.

Leaders work to understand the culture, but changing the culture is far from easy, if not impossible. The idea has been presented that leaders must create new cultures to draw people into a new way of thinking, believing, or behaving.

There is validity to the idea and Jesus followed this approach to the first century culture, leaving us to consider how we will lead in the twenty-first century culture.