Jesus Christ, or Jesus of Nazareth, was a Jewish preacher and the central figure in the religion of Christianity. He lived in ancient Israel in the first century and was crucified on the cross under the rule of Pontius Pilate. According to Christianity, Jesus is the son of God and was crucified for all of mankind’s sins so they could be forgiven by God; he died, was buried and was resurrected on the third day.
A Short Biography
According to History and the Synoptic Gospels Jesus Christ was born around 4 BC in Israel. This was a turbulent time, as Herod would come to know about a new ‘King of the Jews’ and order a slaughter of all the newborns.
Jesus managed to escape to Egypt with his parents from the carnage back in Bethlehem. He eventually returned to his home country Israel at a young age.
His ministry began in Nazareth at 30 years old where he would perform (according to the Gospels) many healings, miracles and even resurrection of the dead. However, he was deemed by the religious leaders of the day to be a blasphemer and they constantly plotted against him.
Eventually they managed to get one of his disciples Judas to betray Jesus by bribing him. Jesus was arrested, crucified and was buried.
According to the Gospels, he miraculously rose again on the third day and tasked his disciples to bring the good news of the gospel to the ends of the world.
Leadership Lessons from Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is one of the most influential spiritual leaders of all time. No matter what you believe about him, it’s incredible that even more than 2,000 years after his death, his message still resonates today.
There are countless leadership lessons we can learn from him, but here are a few:
1. Lead by example
Great leaders start by leading themselves. Jesus always led by example in everything that he told his disciples to do. Whatever he expected them to do, he always showed them how to do it first. He would treat even the poorest beggars with kindness and compassion, and encouraged his disciples to do the same.
The best way you can lead is by example. In today’s world, many leaders expect their subordinates to perform tasks which they themselves are incapable of doing. This hurts their credibility and can result in losing the respect of their followers.
Before you expect your team to keep a standard, ensure that you’re keeping it yourself first.
2. Leaders ask for followers
While many leader-follower relationships involve providing some sort of compensation to the followers (ie. completing a service or task for money), Jesus’ leadership example may be seen as a more ‘pure’ form of leadership. He asked people directly to follow him, and his disciples did so voluntarily.
People want to feel needed, that they are contributing, and are part of a bigger mission. Jesus not only showed how his potential followers that they could be part of a bigger vision, but he explicitly asked them to step up to the task.
While it can be tempting to use indirect methods when asking someone to join you (say, via email or through a secretary) it is often much more powerful to simply ask directly in person.
Books about Jesus Christ
Explore the full, comprehensive writing that goes above and beyond to shed light on the story of Jesus Christ.
Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God
Historic, personal, and cosmic; the New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller presents an unforgettable look at Jesus Christ. Unlocking new perspectives and interpretations, this book takes you on an incredible journey.
Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
Questioning all the preconceived notions and stories everyone knows, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth offers a well-researched, facts-founded, and provocative approach to the story of Jesus of Nazareth.
Quotes from Jesus Christ
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
“What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul.”
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”
“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”
“Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.”
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Jesus Christ Leadership Video
Watch Ken Blanchard explain how to lead like Jesus:
Other Links
Wikipedia: A historical account of Jesus’ Life
AllaboutJesusChrist.org: A site all about Jesus Christ
More Spiritual Leader Profiles
For leadership profiles of other famous Spiritual leaders, including Jesus, Buddha, and Mahatma Gandhi, check out our Spiritual Leadership Profiles section.
Also check out our Leadership Profiles book series. In each book, we study 10 influential leaders in Business, Military, Politics and Sports.
