Leadership Qualities: Courage Part 5
John Demonstrates-Matthew 3:1-10
John prepared the people for Jesus’ ministry with a unique ministry of his own, courageously calling people to repent and live out what they claimed to believe.
John confronted Pharisees, common people who lived hypocritically, and even king Herod himself. Note how his courageous leadership demonstrated itself:
- John preached a clear message; the Pharisees, a complex one.
- John cared more about his integrity than about his image.
- John had stronger convictions than his critics.
How did John become so courageous? What helped him build his courage?
- His mission was deliberate: His job was to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
- His message was decisive: He said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:2).
- His motive was direct: He had Elijah’s voice, crying in the wilderness.
- His manner was different: His clothes came from camel hair, he ate locusts.
- His principles were deep: He believed people must exhibit the fruit of repentance.
- His method was daring: He directed the people to confess their sins and be baptized.
- His mind was discerning: He perceived the pretenses of the Pharisees.
- His ministry was developing: He drew people from all over Judea.
Jesus Did the Unpopular-John 2:13-21
Jesus could lead people because He didn’t need people. His courage came from His sufficiency in His Father, which allowed Him to carry out unpopular task and leave His unforgettable mark.
Join me next time for Leadership Qualities: Courage Part 6