What comes to your mind when you think of leadership? Maybe the better question is who comes to mind when you think of leadership? The reality is we all know someone in a leadership position. As an American, my first thought goes immediately to the President. As a church staff member, I think of my senior pastor, my direct supervisor, and other ministry department heads. As a son, I think of my parents. As an individual, I think of my mentor. 

However, not every leader is a great leader, let alone a good leader. There are people in leadership positions that are just horrible at being leaders. I can almost bet that right now, as you read that last sentence, you had a rush of faces or names that came to your mind of horrible leaders. A former sports coach, a manager of a previous job, an absent or non-caring parent. The list of good leaders and bad leaders could go on and on in our minds if we spent time thinking about it. But what makes a great leader? 

I have seen the above image rolling around on social media lately. I don’t know if you seen this before, but assuming that you haven’t, let me explain what is going on in the image. The image is titled “The Wisdom of Wolves”, The red circled group is the older and weaker members of the pack. They are placed at the front of the pack in order to establish the pace in which the pack will travel. Behind them in the yellow grouping are stronger members of the group. They are placed behind the red group in order to protect the older weaker bunch from an attack from any enemy. Not only does the yellow group protect the red group, but they also protect the rest of the pack behind them. In fact, the pack behind them is sandwiched between two groups of stronger members, because the green group is another bunch of stronger protectors. The green group protects the pack from any kind of attack from behind. This is great strategy. Finally, you will notice the lone wolf trailing behind the rest of the pack. That lone wolf is the alpha, the leader of the pack. He is the one that is overlooking everyone and protecting his pack. Amazing isn’t it? We always assume that leaders, lead from the front; they rally the troops and move the them forward. But the wisdom of wolves teach us that the last in the grouping is actually the first of the pack. 

Jesus taught his disciples about this type of leadership as well. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” (Mark 9:35 [NLT]) This is backward thinking in our culture. 

In our culture (U.S.), those who have the spotlight set upon them tend to be the ones we view as leaders. If you think about it, I don’t know that we as U.S. citizens could ever turn on any news station and not hear about our political leaders. They may be in the news for bad leadership, but they are still being “glorified” on tv nonetheless. Great leaders always seem to get the praise when the group, organization, etc., goes well or accomplishes great things. In Jesus’ time it was no different in their culture. Kings were glorified, and Rabbis were praised for their elevated status in the world. Everyone wanted to be followers or friends with the rabbis. Everyone aspired to be at that level. 

The Rabbi creating the most buzz during Jesus’ time was Jesus. He was performing miraculous signs. He was healing people of their sickness. He was bringing sight to the blind. Jesus told the people who were born unable to walk, “Get up and walk!”, and they walked. The biggest awe-inspiring miracles Jesus performed, no big deal or anything, he was just raising people FROM THE DEAD! 

Now imagine being associated as the disciple of the most buzzworthy rabbi. If you’re standing that close to a star, you tend to get a little of the spotlight shining on you as well. And for Jesus’ disciples, the spotlight began to get to their heads and they argued amongst themselves as to who is the greatest among the inner circle. Upon hearing this argument, Jesus says “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Jesus’ earthly ministry is an example of this type of leadership. No one has ever humbled themselves as much as Jesus. Jesus, being God in the flesh, left his throne in heaven and dwelled amongst his creation and served us. Paul, an apostle of Jesus even wrote, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to” (Philippians 2:6). Jesus is the example to everyone what a great leader looks like. In the gospel of John in the 13th chapter, we even see God wash the feet of His creation. Jesus took up a towel, and took up the role of a house servant and washed all the muck and grime off of his disciples feet. The greatest in the room took up the lowliest position of a servant. Jesus then says, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).

What the wisdom of wolves shows us, and what Jesus teaches, is we have to lead like a servant. We all have the opportunity to lead in some way, at some point. You might think that you’re in a position where you aren’t the “leader”, but you can still lead. You can lead in the servant position. We can all think of ourselves less, not as though we are above certain tasks. Believe it or not, it is ok to work, serve, and/or volunteer for the sake of bettering others, and not for the spotlight or acknowledgment of others. I pray that we all lead like a servant!

Peace!