An appropriate response

"Leaders make judgements coming out of their own order of values"

In my last blog on change instigators I highlighted how Peter was strongly rebuked as he tried to de-rail Jesus decision to go to Jerusalem. In this blog we see how Jesus handles the apostles arguing about who is the greatest in a very different way.

Mark 9:34-37…on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Leaders can sometimes deal with character issues in the wrong way. They make judgements coming out of their own order of values and of course firmly believing them to be correct. This can make the leaders response even more potent, and if wrong, de-powering for the individual. Some leaders could easily take those people arguing for a position, worthy of a greater rebuke than those who through noble intent, try and derail a strategic move.

Jesus was able to bring the appropriate rebuke and gentle correction to each situation. He constantly challenged the Jewish leader’s order of values all through his ministry. We must be careful that we don’t fall into their trap, inserting our own preferences and priorities and in doing so hinder the leadership development of those he has called.

An appropriate response

In my last blog on change instigators I highlighted how Peter was strongly rebuked as he tried to de-rail Jesus decision to go to Jerusalem. In this blog we see how Jesus handles the apostles arguing about who is the greatest in a very different way.