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Reflections on Leadership - The failure of the Pharisees and the victory of Christ (Mark 15:1-15)

April 07, 2023
By Denver Daniel

Reflection should be a consistently used tool for every leader. Leaders who recognize their influence, authority, and finite ability will soberly reflect and examine the leadership of others in order to grow from both observed strengths and failures. When reflecting on the leadership of the chief priests and simultaneously looking at our Savior’s leadership as well - several truths emerge.

  1. Collaborators influence decisions (Mark 15:1,2). The chief priests gathered with others to consult toward a mutually desired outcome. There was strategy determined and enacted - much like any conference call.

    Leadership truth - Your co-collaborators will further empower your motives. Collaborate with leaders who have similar values and who will challenge your motivations.
     
  2. Decisions are influenced by motivations (Mark 15:10). Even a ruthless leader such as Pilate could see that envy was the motivation of the Chief Priests. The adage, “It takes one to know one,” certainly is appropriate here. The chief priests were jealous of Christ’s notoriety and influence as it threatened their own - therefore, they sought to destroy Him. 

    Leadership truth - your motivation will influence your decisions. Check yourself continually against our example of Christ to examine your reasoning (Ps 139:1.)
     
  3. Influence and authority are powerful (Mark 15:11).  A leader’s position will result in a degree of deference by the crowd. The authority of position can impose agenda as well. So it was for the chief priests. The chief priests had the authority to expel from the synagogue and influence of position to the degree they incited the crowd to call for the innocent death of another.

    Leadership truth - Recognize that your influence and authority will shape the decisions of others. 
     
  4. Your actions equal your testimony (Mark 15:5,14&15). “Why? What evil has he done?” Pilate was left amazed at two things through the trial of Jesus - Christ’s silence and the crowd’s decision. Orchestrated in a conference and enacted by the stirring of the people was an evil plan that even amazed an evil person. A testament of the chief priests' leadership was revealed that day - one that the Holy Spirit inspired to be recorded in scripture and a testament that will not be undone.

    Leadership truth - Your decisions leave a testimony of who you are and what you desire, and that testimony is not soon forgotten.
     
  5. Yet we see Christ. Christ collaborated with His Father for strength and power to place our penalty of death upon Himself. Christ, with the purest of intentions - love for His Father and for those He chose to redeem, endured the cross and its subsequent shame and pain. Christ, in His desire to have more disciples come to Him, stirred His disciples to proclaim the truth of the gospel. And Christ, in His humble strength, has left a testimony that has and will endure for all eternity.

    Leadership truth - We look unto Christ, the author, and finisher of our faith, as He provides the example for leading others well. And as we look unto Him, may we also pause to praise Him for the salvation He has given and the clear example He has set before us. 
     

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