Jesus is Our Guide and the Ultimate Leader

Jesus is Our Guide and the Ultimate Leader Hero Image

It seems like these days what defines a leader is how much money, power, and influence he or she can show to the people around them. Some people are willing to do anything to get to the top, but is that what makes them a good leader? Is it the number of people who report to them or how many decisions they have to make or how many zeroes are on their paycheck? Is it their charm or assertiveness? What is the mark of a good leader? In God’s economy, it’s not quite what you’d expect.

LEADERSHIP:

Following God and Guiding Others To Do the Same

Memory Verse:

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

This Week’s Finish Line:

Jesus is Our Guide and the Ultimate Leader

Jesus is not a typical leader. He didn’t come to earth the first time to rule in might and power, although He could have. No, He first came as a servant, willing to do the Father’s work, live a perfect life, and die on a cross to take the punishment He didn’t deserve. He was humble, obedient, loving, selfless, and sacrificial. This is not the way the world would describe a leader, but isn’t it the kind of person you would want to follow? Jesus didn’t come to call the richest, smartest, or prettiest people. He first called fishermen, ordinary people like you and me, to follow Him. There was nothing special about them except the fact that Jesus chose them. He was going to do amazing things through the men that followed Him and He made them fishers of men and still does that today. He is the perfect leader and He will use those who follow Him to do the good works He has planned for us to do.

Family Questions:

  1. What do you think it means to be a leader? How would you describe a good leader?
  2. Read Philippians 2:3-11. How is Jesus described? Is His leadership different than the way you described a leader? How?
  3. Read Matthew 4:18-22. Why do you think the men so quickly left their nets in order to follow Jesus?
  4. Where are you a leader? Why is it important to first follow Jesus before trying to lead others?

Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:

* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.

Teacher: Good Leadership Begins By Being a Good Follower

As you gather around the dinner table with your family, bring up the topic of leadership. As a family come up with a list of great leaders, some from history and some you know personally. Ask your family what makes those people good leaders. After they have come up with reasons and opinions as to what makes up a good leader, read 1 Corinthians 11:1. Paul very plainly says who the ultimate leader is in his life: Jesus. Explain and teach your family that being a good leader really means that you are a good follower of the ultimate Leader.

Friend: Follow The Leader

As a family take some time to play together this week. At some point play the game “Follow the Leader” (also known as “Simon Says”). As you are playing, point out that just like you need to pay close attention to the leader to follow them well, we have to pay close attention to Jesus so we can follow Him well.

Counselor: Psalm 23

As you are putting your family to bed, read Psalm 23 together. Before you start reading, tell your family to listen for all the ways that Jesus leads us. After you are done reading, discuss how the Psalm talks about Jesus being our shepherd, how he leads us, and how he will be with us through the good and the hard times.

Coach: Looking For Troubles

As you are getting your family ready for the day, work on this week’s memory verse together, and encourage your kids to lead others around them by first following Christ.

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

Prayer

Thank God for the leaders in your life. Pray for them and that they would continue to rely on the Lord and seek His wisdom as they lead you and others. Ask God to help you follow the perfect example of Christ and lead others to follow Him.

Looking Ahead

Next week we will continue the month of August with the godly characteristic trait of LEADERSHIP. We will be learning that the greatest leaders are servants of all.