Leadership Lessons from Matthew 23

By Justin Taylor @ http://theologica.blogspot.com

I've recently been using Michael Wilkins's excellent NIV Application Commentary on Matthew. In it he takes Jesus' seven woes against the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 23:1-36) and turns them around to offer some positive lessons from Jesus on leadership:

1. Live by example God's message of grace (Matt. 23:1-4).
2. Earn respect and honor, don't demand them (Matt. 23:5-7).
3. Wear titles lightly that point to God (Matt. 23:8-10)
4. Serve God's people to empower them to advance the kingdom of God (Matt. 23:11-12).
5. Be a signpost to the doorway to the kingdom (Matt. 23:13).
6. Make converts to the kingdom, not to yourself (Matt. 23:15).
7. Maintain personal accountability (Matt. 23:16-22).
8. Major on the majors of the kingdom (Matt. 23:23-24).
9. Promote motive for leadership-ministry from the inside out (Matt. 23:25-26).
10. Develop personal identity as a leader from the inside out (Matt. 23:27-28).
11. Choose carefully the traditions you will represent (Matt. 23:29-32).
12. Listen to God's other messengers, because leadership has stricter condemnation (Matt. 23:33-36).