#BibleLesson Timeless Truths: The Genius of Jesus



“…whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. And whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:26-28

Did you ever wonder why there are a million books on leadership and how to be the most successful leader, but not many on serving and how to be the best servant?

The answer is easy.

  • Serving is not as sexy and attractive as leading.
Jesus modeled leadership perfection.
His way of leading, although unconventional to us was brilliant.

  • Not because he had graduated from the newest and latest leadership seminar of his time.
Jesus' leadership was brilliant because he was a servant.

  • He was in the business of serving people, not in ruling and lording over them for His own sake or to further a personal agenda.
  • Jesus recruited a motley crew of dudes, who were incredibly random and unpredictable. Through them, He began a movement that shifted the direction of humanity forever.

Look at the people Jesus selected as followers. You can’t help but think that He was thinking of us.

Can you hear Jesus saying this to you?

 “Look if these dudes, who just don’t get it, can follow me and do some amazing stuff through me, then what’s your excuse for not following?”

 Because of the genius of Jesus

 You don’t have to read all the leadership books and attend the best universities.

 You don’t have to change who you are.
  • He loves who you are.
  • He calls you to serve, influence, lead as you are.

God does not use positions to change people's lives, he uses people to influence change in people’s lives.

How did Jesus influence people, and how did they become successful servant leaders themselves?


  • Much of Jesus’ ministry was spent walking.
  • Walking from town to town.
  • Walking from house to the desert.
  • Walking to the synagogue.
  • Walking to the temple, to the marketplace, from one gathering to another.
Walking before people,
           beside people, and
behind people.

Before: Walk as an example of what life in the kingdom was. He lived out what he believed and knew to be true.

Beside: Walk in relationship, especially with those closest to him. He listened to them, ate with them, had fun with them, and was with them in their pain. He was always patient, always compassionate, and always present.

Behind: Walk while cheering them on and encouraging them to keep walking, believing, trusting, and serving.

We need to serve in such a way that people follow. When we serve in that way, servanthood is contagious.

Our response to God’s love is the desire to serve.
  • Never lose sight of Who you serve.
  • Don’t do anything that Jesus isn’t doing.


Jesus was not predictable. He is not safe, but He’s always good!
Jesus doesn’t need anyone, yet he calls us.
He invites us because He desires to partner with us and to be a part of what He is already doing.

Because of the genius of Jesus
All over the world, people who are being healed every minute, broken lives and families are being redeemed, criminals are being transformed into followers of Jesus.
Because of the genius of Jesus
Right now hundreds of people are hearing about Jesus for the first time and giving their all to follow this extraordinary Man.

The final question is
Are you willing to serve Jesus in what Jesus is already doing?

Next week is a closer look at 
Jesus's model of ministry.


Special thanks to Pastor Jeff Jimenez of Mission Church of the Nazarene for the central teachings in this post.
SEO: Bible study, New Testament, thinking, knowing God

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