A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 14:43-52)

“‘Am I leading a rebellion,’ said Jesus, ‘that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.’ Then everyone deserted him and fled.” (See Mark 14:43-52 for full text)

In Mark 14:43–52, Jesus was arrested and then deserted by everyone. The marked contrast between him and his captors is clear. Jesus willingly and resolutely moved toward the trouble confronting him with no violence or resistance in his approach. His fear-filled captors advanced toward him stealthily at night, seizing and arresting him. They were armed to the hilt, yet their fear of a rebellion was baseless as Jesus pointed out: “‘Am I leading a rebellion,’ said Jesus, ‘that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.’” Jesus was committed to the fulfillment of his mission unlike those who were protecting their leadership positions by arresting him. They were driven by fear whereas Jesus’ resoluteness of will to please His Audience of One empowered him for final victory.

KEY QUESTIONS: Am I committed to my convictions above self-preservation? How would I rate my level of commitment when under pressure? Does fear drive me or is my highest aim to please my Audience of One? Would others describe me as having “resoluteness of will” when it comes to accomplishing my mission?