SCRIPTURE:
Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
Luke 23:20-25
OBSERVATION:
Leadership is not a title; it is simply influence. No matter who you are, you have influence––over your friends, family, coworkers, peers. Therefore, you are a leader. What kind of leader will you choose to be?
It is often said that “everything rises and falls on leadership.” The saying stands in both good and bad leadership. Here, we see the effects of bad leadership. Pilate personally saw no wrong in Jesus. In fact, he wanted to release Jesus. However, the crowds wanted Jesus crucified. Rather than lead the crowds, Pilate let the crowds lead him. Although he was a leader in title, he was not a leader in function. Rather than do what he knew was right, he chose to do what was popular.
Leaders who don’t stand for anything will fall for anything. Pilate did not stand for the truth. He did not stand for righteousness. And certainly, he did not stand for God. Instead, Pilate was spineless, self-serving, and cowardly. What kind of leader would you like to be led by? And more importantly, what kind of leader will you choose to be today?
APPLICATION:
Hopefully, you’ve reached this point and have chosen to be a good leader rather than be a cowardly leader like Pilate. If that’s you, today, would you lead in Truth, lead in Faith, and lead in humility.
1. Truth:
John 8:32: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Leaders lead in truth, with truth, and for Truth, for Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Be a leader of integrity. Don’t cut corners, scheme, or rely on your own strength. Rather, be a leader of virtue, character, and ethics.
2. Faith:
1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Lead in faith and by faith. Seek to grow deep and strong in your personal relationship with God, allowing God to develop your spiritual maturity as you commune with Him through prayer, devotions, worship, and His Word
3. Humility:
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Leaders lead to serve. As the Son of Man came to serve, so must we. The higher we go in leadership, the lower we must go in posture, seeking humility over pride. Leaders must always serve God, then people––not themselves.
PRAYER:
Jesus,
Thank You for the price You paid at the hands of poor leadership. Today, help me to use my influence for good and to lead in truth, faith, and humility. Use me for Your glory today. I will lead and stand for You.
In Your Name I pray,
Amen
