Thread by @greaterbayo

The Leadership Template of Jesus

On my way to work today, I reflected on how Jesus chose his 12 disciples. Knowing fully well He had an uncommon assignment which also depended to a very large extent on the team he chose, I believe so much went into choosing that first team.

He had to carefully lay the foundation because this was an assignment that would 'outlive' Him. It was a generational assignment- an eternal one.

Andrew.

First person to 'discover' Jesus. Was an initial follower of John the Baptist. Decamped to follow Jesus. Very good man who was willing to share with others. Could convince others because he had the gift of persuasion.

One of the greatest things he ever did was bringing Peter to Jesus. An incredible eye for talents. But preferred to operate from the background. Didn't mind if he wasn't the leader.

Simon Peter.

A crude but very courageous chap. Fearless. Stood up to Jesus once in a while. Not afraid to challenge the status quo. Asked painful questions at times. A bit irrational. Spontaneous.

Talks before he thinks sometimes. Married. Was able to win the trust of others. Became the leader of the bunch. A bridge builder.

James and John, sons of Zebedee.

Business partners with Peter. Very ambitious folks. Wanted to get ahead and willing to do anything to get their desires. Had some level of affluence. And they understand how to work in a team.

Nathaniel.

Prejudiced. In the present era, many will call him an ethnic bigot. Didn't believe anything good could come out of Nazareth. But very direct. No sugarcoating with this guy. Shoots from the hips. Requires emotional intelligence.

Matthew.

Perceived as very corrupt. A tax collector. Many would never understand the basis for this choice. He hung out with the wrong crowd. Didn't have a good reputation with folks. But as a tax collector, he was good with records. Meticulous. Detailed.

Can't afford mistakes. Good memory. Required on the team so he can give everyone an accurate record of events. The Book of Matthew.

Thomas.

Pessimist. Likes to see proofs. Many will call him a realist nowadays. Nevertheless, will always bow to superior arguments. Also willing to go the extra mile. When Lazarus died, he urged everyone to go so they can die with him. Not afraid.

Simon.

The Zealot. Political activist. Angry with the status quo. A revolutionary. Unconventional. Possibly almost always angry. Terrible temper. Needs to be managed dexterously. May get into clashes with other team mates frequently.

Judas Iscariot.

Handled the purse. Treasurer. Good with figures and book keeping. Was able to keep the team afloat for about 3 years. Colleagues knew he pilfered but they didn't really bother as no one had his skill set.

Very ordinary guys. Everyday people. Some were even almost anonymous.

Different skill sets. Different strengths. Different weaknesses. Different backgrounds. Some very poor. Some affluent. Different industries and sectors- some were fishermen, one studied accounting, another was an employer of labour.

Some were married and others were single- Jesus Himself was single. He knew how to handle them. He played to their strengths.

Strengthened their weak points. Gave them focus and direction. Inspired them when necessary. Corrected and rebuked them at times.

Was vulnerable before them. Showed them a picture of the future. Allowed them to dream. Coached them personally. Took them for retreats. Led them by example. Shed tears to show His humanity. Performed miracles and revealed things they didn't know before.

Pushed them to understand they could do greater works too. Loved them at all times. And finally, died for them.

The result?

Those guys turned the world upside down. Transformed their world. Brought a new way of thinking and living. Wrote new books that formed the basis for a new religion. Influenced generations. Got the attention of the low and mighty. Ordinary people who had some extra.

What exemplary leadership!

Bayo Adeyinka

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