A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 12:1-8)

“Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: ‘“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes”?’ Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.” (Mark 12:10-12)

In Mark 12:10–12, we see a striking contrast between Jesus’ leadership and that of the religious leaders. After sharing the illustration of the vineyard landowner and corrupt tenants, Jesus emphasized his point by asking a question with a quote from the Psalms: “Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: ‘“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes”?’” Obviously, Jesus’ leadership paradigm had different qualifications. As Messiah, he was the cornerstone of a new kingdom model, threatening the corrupt guardians of the old one. Convicted, the religious leaders sought to silence the messenger rather than face reality. Their hearts were shrouded in self-deception from pride and fear. Pride kept them from changing and fear of the crowds prevented them from arresting Jesus. In stark contrast, Jesus spoke the truth with humility and God-grounded confidence. 

KEY QUESTIONS: What might prevent me from embracing a new model of leadership or a new paradigm of kingdom/church? Have I ever attempted to silence the messenger rather than face reality? What does it take to speak the truth with humility and God-grounded confidence?