The Edge Ministry

Leaders Teach with Authority

Dec 19, 2009 Leadership Lessons of Jesus
Posted by Jeremy W.

They were astonished at His teaching because, unlike the scribes,
He was teaching them as one having authority.  – Mark 1:22

Where did Jesus get His authority? Without a complete, drawn-out theological discussion of the Trinity, the simple answer is from God. (Matt. 28:18)  In an earthly sense, Jesus could teach with authority because he knew the Scriptures, but the Pharisees knew every point of The Law too. So what gave Jesus the edge? “It was because Jesus was himself the Son of God that his every word was absolutely authoritative.” (p. 12)

Wait a minute, we aren’t Jesus; what authority do we have to speak/lead?

Matt. 28:18-20

In Bible College, they taught that you have to identify what the word therefore is there for. In verse 19 Matthew writes, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” So because Jesus had (and has) authority, He has appointed us as Christians to lead others in the same manor. No we are not Jesus, and we don’t have anywhere near the level of authority; but we have the authority to baptize in His name, and teach them everything He has already commanded.

This is both a huge honor and a huge challenge. We can’t live up to Jesus’ example, but we must do everything we can to get as close as possible. That is why it’s called The Great Commission.

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“As important as it is to know what you’re talking about, it is perhaps even more important to be what you’re talking about.” (p. 13) What do you think the author meant by those words?

“A leader who speaks of what he knows and lives what he speaks will attract willing followers; those unwilling to be led will be so uncomfortable that they will be very willing to get out of the way.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why or Why not?

What should leading with authority do to our self-esteem?

As scary as it is to lead sometimes, we are not leading by our own authority, but authority from the Creator of the universe! That should give us a level of confidence that the ‘average Joe’ just doesn’t have. Talk about a leg up on our competition!

What are some practical applications of this lesson? In other words, in what ways can you use what was talked about to improve your leadership skills? (Can be specific or general)