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The modern image of a leader, king or commander brings to mind a top-down structure where generals issue instructions to their troops from the comfort of their air conditioned command-centre. Centuries ago however, leaders would lead their men into the frontline of battles – they lead from the front. Whatever your picture of a leader is, you can’t help but notice that our Leader Jesus is very different. “In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what He suffered” (Heb. 2:10).

As the pioneer of our salvation, it was fitting that God should make Him perfect for the role He was to play. Jesus (from eternity past) is already perfect and sinless but He has to experience suffering and death as a man to be the perfect pioneer of our salvation. We are fighting a different battle – the winning of precious people – which is not merely a physical battle but one that is fought in the spiritual realm. The Son of God must come down as a human to taste every temptation, evil desire and even death to defeat sin and death in complete obedience to His Father. Jesus exhibited a style of leadership that is contrary to what most kingly figures in history have demonstrated. His ministry of love, mercy, care and humility even to the extent of washing His disciples’ feet and dying for them goes against the grain of human logic of a king. It speaks much of His “servant attitude” where the Master is the servant-leader.

As a Christian, you have been forgiven and saved by the grace of God. Your mind has been renewed and you are transformed into a new person (see 2 Cor. 5:17). Your mission is quite similar to that of Jesus – to bring many sons and daughters to God. In leading someone to Jesus, we take the cue from our Leader Jesus. Leading someone to believe in Jesus should not be confined to Christian leaders only. All Christians are involved. Every relationship with someone else is an opportunity for us to play that role. Jesus taught that as Christians, ridicule, mocking and suffering when we share about our Christian faith is expected. How have you used the experiences of your suffering and sacrifices to draw others nearer to God? Do you possess such a passion? Fix your eyes on Jesus – Our Leader.