Leaders set and reset the mission for their people. This is not just a matter of firing off a company wide email with the mission statement subtly appended in the signature block either. Effective leadership is much more sweaty, messy, and organic.
Leaders must work hard to communicate the mission and model the mission. Doing this effectively, that is–with integrity, clarity, and passion, creates an organizational greenhouse. It makes the organization ripe for organic, self-replicating growth.
In chapters 8-10 of Mark’s Gospel we read of three occasions where Jesus predicts his death (8.31; 9.31; 10.32-34). In between these statements Jesus is teaching his disciples about what it means to live as a one who has denied themselves, taken up their cross, and followed him (cf. 8.34). In short, Jesus is showing, explaining, modeling, and resetting what it means to follow him.
The impending death of Christ looms over everything he says. It seems pretty clear that we must understand the cross in order to understand Jesus. And likewise, people must respond to the cross if we are to follow Jesus.
This is where we see the intentional leadership and plan of Christ. He announces the plan, embraces the plan, and models the plan. Throughout this time he just keeps resetting it so the early (and subsequent) disciples would not get things twisted: the cross is central.
In order for churches in general and Christians in particular to be synced up with Christ and his mission we must be truly on-board with him. This is never less than being instructed and informed by the gospel. Jesus means for us to run everything we do through the gospel. Everything from the nursery workers to the announcements, from the preaching to the greeters at the door, the giving to the goodbyes…everything is to be dyed the hue of red. But the gospel is not just for Sundays. It’s for marriages, parenting, school, eating, drinking, sleeping, recreation, and driving (to name a few). Everything is to be calibrated by this great historical reality of Christ crucified for sinners. This is Christ’s intention in showing, explaining, modeling, and resetting what it means to follow him.
In Mark 10.32 Mark adds a detail that the other gospel writers omit. He reminds us that Jesus is out in front. He is walking ahead.
Can you see through the eyes of Scripture this most glorious scene? Do you see Christ your King? He is not wasting time. He is not wasting breath. He is preaching the cross. He is resolved to go to the cross. His face is like a flint (Is. 50.7). He is marching to his death. He is marching towards his resurrection. This is why people like us are still following him.
If you are off track, watch him again. Hear him again. And get back in line behind him (Mark 8.34-38).
If you are on track but need refreshment, then watch him, hear him, and follow him.
This beloved Jesus, through his death for sinners like us, is the model and motivation for Christian living (Mark 10.43-45). He means to saturate us with it!