A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 9:2-8)

“After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!’ Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.” (Mark 9:2-8)

In Mark 9:2–8 Jesus was transfigured before his disciples in a display of his Father’s unconditional love for him. Facing the ultimate test of taking on the sins of the world, even Jesus needed to hear words of affirmation from his Father. “This is my Son, whom I love,” a voice declared. “Listen to him!” Secondly, Jesus was encouraged by representatives of the law and the prophets: Moses and Elijah. They both appeared and talked to him, perhaps to strengthen his resolve in going to the cross in fulfillment of all that had been written about him. If Jesus needed to hear words of unconditional love and affirmation, how much more do leaders need to know who they are and whose they are. Furthermore, leaders follow God’s example by building up and encouraging those in their sphere of influence. Everyone thrives under encouragement. Tell people what they mean to you and how much you believe in them.

KEY QUESTIONS: How often do I bask in God’s unconditional love for me? How does knowing who I am and Whose I am affect how I treat others? Who has encouraged me and helped me become the person I am today? How might I thank them? Who needs to hear words of unconditional love and encouragement from me today?