What comes to mind when you think of leadership? Have we in some ways lost sight of the ways in which Jesus and the cross need to shape our understanding and practice of life, specifically regarding something like leadership? Listen in as Pastor Josh explores a passage from the Bible in which Jesus discusses the hierarchy of the Kingdom of God with His disciples, which would be key for them to understand if they were to lead the community of Christ-followers that we call the church.

 

A Welcoming Posture

Message by Josh Mutter – March 7, 2021

 

Mark 9:30-37 NIV

They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child 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.”

 

The way of the cross informs and shapes how we engage in leading others.

Jesus’ death revolutionizes the essence of leadership.

One of the ways that we follow Jesus is by embodying that people matter and belong.

 

Application:

Reflect: How do my ideas of what greatness look like influence how I treat others?

Commitment: This week I will be present with someone who doesn’t make me great.

 

About Josh Mutter: Josh Mutter is the Lead Pastor at Westheights Community Church. Josh is married to Michelle and they have two very busy little boys named Silas & Isaac. Josh enjoys long walks on the beach and smooth jazz – well, not really. But he does enjoy time with his family, spending time outdoors, watching baseball, sipping coffee and reading a good book.

 

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