What Jesus Teaches Us About Influence & Authority
In today’s world, leadership is often associated with power, control, and personal success. Many people chase leadership positions because they want recognition, authority, or influence. But Jesus redefined leadership in a way that was completely countercultural—true leadership is not about being served, but about serving others.
Whether in your workplace, ministry, or community, the best leaders are not the ones who demand authority but the ones who use their influence to lift others up. That’s the heart of servant leadership. So how can we lead like Jesus?
How Jesus Modeled Leadership Through Humility
Jesus had every right to demand honor and authority. He was the Son of God, yet He chose to lead through humility and service.
In John 13:12–15, Jesus does something unthinkable—He washes His disciples’ feet, a task usually reserved for the lowest servant. Afterward, He tells them:
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Jesus wasn’t just performing a kind gesture—He was demonstrating what leadership looks like in God’s kingdom. Instead of using His authority for personal gain, He used it to serve, love, and empower others.
Key takeaway: Leadership isn’t about how many people serve you—it’s about how many people you serve.
Leading with Confidence While Serving with Humility
Some people mistake servant leadership for weakness, but Jesus was the perfect balance of strength and humility.
- He led with authority, but He never abused it.
- He challenged people, but always in love.
- He served others, but never compromised His mission.
Philippians 2:3–4 captures this mindset:
“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 others.”
Being a servant leader doesn’t mean you let people walk all over you—it means you use your influence to elevate others, not yourself.
Practical ways to lead with humility:
- Give credit instead of taking it. Celebrate others’ wins and contributions.
- Listen before leading. Great leaders seek to understand before making decisions.
- Admit mistakes. Owning your failures builds trust and authenticity.
- Put people first. See leadership as a responsibility to serve, not a privilege to enjoy.
Key takeaway: True leadership is bold yet humble, confident yet selfless.
Practical Ways to Apply Servant Leadership
You don’t need a leadership title to practice servant leadership. Here are ways to lead like Jesus in everyday life:
In the workplace:
- Support your coworkers instead of competing with them.
- Mentor someone who is less experienced.
- Take responsibility when things go wrong instead of shifting blame.
In ministry & church:
- Volunteer in unseen or unglamorous roles.
- Encourage and uplift those who serve alongside you.
- Be the first to arrive and the last to leave, leading by example.
In friendships & community:
- Show up when people need help, even if it’s inconvenient.
- Speak life into others instead of seeking attention for yourself.
- Be known as someone who lifts others up, not someone who demands recognition.
Remember, servant leadership is not a position—it’s a lifestyle.
Why Servant Leadership Creates Greater Influence
Many people chase leadership because they want to be in charge—but the leaders who make the biggest impact are the ones who put others first.
Jesus said in Matthew 23:11–12:
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
The world’s model of leadership:
- “I need to be on top.”
- “Others should serve me.”
- “Success is about how much power I have.”
Jesus’ model of leadership:
- “I will lift others up.”
- “I am here to serve, not be served.”
- “Success is about how much I impact and empower others.”
Ironically, the leaders who follow Jesus’ model often gain the most influence—not because they demand it, but because they earn it through love, trust, and consistency.
Remember, the most influential leaders are the ones who serve with integrity and love.
Leading Like Jesus Starts Now
Servant leadership isn’t just a theory—it’s something you can start practicing today. Whether you lead a team, volunteer at church, or simply want to be a better friend, you can choose to lead like Jesus.
Ask yourself:
- How can I serve the people around me today?
- Where have I been seeking recognition instead of looking for ways to lift others up?
- What areas of my life do I need to lead with more humility?
Start leading not by demanding authority, but by serving with love, humility, and purpose.
Final Thoughts
True leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about making the greatest impact through service, humility, and integrity.
If you want to lead well, start by following Jesus’ example. Use your influence to serve, empower, and encourage others—and watch how your leadership grows in the process.
Discussion Questions
- How does Jesus’ example of leadership challenge the way you view influence and authority?
- In what areas of your life can you practice servant leadership?
- How can you balance leading with confidence while serving with humility?
- Who in your life has modeled servant leadership, and what can you learn from them?
- What’s one action step you can take this week to lead like Jesus?
Want to grow as a leader? This post is part of Leading with Purpose, a 13-part series on building influence, community, and calling. Explore the full series and take the next step in your leadership journey.
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