Issue #175, February 24, 2016
The first recorded words of John the Baptist focus on his identity. The Jews sent people to ask John who he was. They thought perhaps he was the Messiah for whom they were waiting with expectation. But John quickly said he was not the Christ, Elijah or the prophet. They asked him again who he was. John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’“ Now some Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” (John 1:23-31) John’s response showed that he was clear about his identity. He knew who he was, what he was called to do and why he was called to this mission. Servant leaders learn from his life how clear identity helps them be effective leaders.
His identity explained his part.
“I am the voice calling…” John knew who he was. His identity was based clearly on the calling God had for his life. His calling was unique in that he would fulfil Old Testament prophecies. But John was neither proud nor ashamed of who he was since his identity was clear. “He confessed freely” (John 1:20). Because his identity was clear John would not take up roles that others wanted to impose on him. It was tempting to accept the title of “Messiah” but he knew that was not his part. Leaders often allow the expectations of others to shape their identity. They are then trapped seeking to meet those expectations. Servant leaders find true freedom in knowing who God has called them to be.
His identity expressed his priorities.
“I baptize with water.” John knew what he was called to do. He knew that his work was to prepare the way for Jesus by preaching a message of repentance and baptizing the people who were ready. Because he knew what God had called him to do he could focus on a few priorities in his desert ministry and to say ‘no’ to many other good things. John did not heal the sick or cast out demons. He didn’t try to begin a church in Jerusalem. Because he knew who he was, he was able to focus on the specific areas God had gifted him to do. His identity provided focus. Servant leaders clarify their priorities by understanding what God has called them to do. They do not work based on the agenda of other people and they do not try to do everything. They focus on the priorities God has called them to do and say ‘no’ to the rest.
His identity exposed his purpose.
“The reason I came baptizing with water was that he [Jesus] might be revealed to Israel.” John knew why he was leading. The purpose for his life was settled before he began his public ministry. His role was to prepare the way for Jesus and reveal Him to others. His leadership role was not to benefit himself, but to bring others to Jesus. Servant leaders recognize that their purpose is ultimately to point others to Jesus. They lead at home, in their business, in schools, churches and market places in ways that open the door for others to see Jesus in their lives. Their leadership roles vary, but their purpose is not to make profit or build an organization, it is to reveal Jesus to others.
John the Baptist was clear about his identity. He knew who he was, what he was called to do and why he was called to lead. Servant leaders clarify their identity before they seek to influence others. They are able to clearly and freely answer the question, “Who are you?”
For further reflection and discussion:
- How do I answer the question, “Who are you?” Can I clearly state who God has called me to be, what he has called me to do it, and the purpose He has called me to lead?
- Are there roles or titles that others try to place on me which I know are not my calling? How do I respond to these expectations and what is the result in my leadership?
- How does my identity shape my priorities. What things should I say “no” to when I recognize what God has specifically called me to do? Why is it difficult to focus on only a few things?
- Am I clear about the purpose for my leadership? What is it, why am I a leader? Are there other purposes that I embrace which detract me from God’s purposes? Have I focused on the purpose of producing profit, building an organization, providing for my own needs, more than revealing Jesus to others? In what specific ways can my leadership more clearly bring people to Jesus?