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THE MASTER’S LEADERSHIP PATTERN

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Jul 13
  • 4 min read

Today’s Readings:

Psalm 30

2 Kings 4: 32–37

Luke 9:1–6 NKJV

“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2)He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”

(Luke 9:1–2)


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Up until this moment in Luke 9, the twelve disciples had only observed Jesus ministering with compassion. He had done the teaching, the healing, the confronting, and the casting out of demons. They had watched Him closely, taking mental notes like apprentices. But now, having given them power and authority over demons and sicknesses, He sent them out—temporarily—to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Jesus was preparing them to carry on His ministry after His departure, ensuring it would continue through future generations of believers. It was a Jewish custom to shake off the dust from their feet after visiting Gentile territory, considering the dust defiled. In the same manner, Jesus instructed His apostles to shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against any town that rejected them. Rejecting the Gospel is the same as rejecting Jesus, and such people would face divine judgment.


Notice how Jesus led before sending out His disciples:

  • He empowered them by giving them power and authority (v. 1).

  • He gave them clear instructions so they would know what to do (vv. 3–4).

  • He taught them how to deal with rejection and difficult situations (v. 5).

  • He held them accountable and received their report afterwards (v. 10).


This model of leadership should be adopted in ministry today: empower, instruct, prepare for adversity, and ensure accountability. Every act—good or bad—will be brought before the throne of God in judgment. Jesus announced the coming of His kingdom through both preaching and healing. If he had preached only, people might have assumed His message was purely spiritual. If He had only healed, they might not have understood the spiritual significance of His mission. The Jewish audience expected a Messiah who would restore material wealth and national power. They valued physical blessings over spiritual insight and failed to see that Jesus came to bring salvation for both body and soul. Any teaching that focuses solely on one—either body or soul—risks distorting the full Gospel message.


Why were the disciples asked to depend on others as they travelled from town to town?

  • Jesus intended the Gospel to spread rapidly across Judea.

  • It reinforced that the Messiah’s mission was not about offering material wealth.

  • It required the disciples to rely solely on God’s provision, not their own.

  • Their dependence would make people more open and eager to hear their message, knowing the mission was temporary.


Jesus also instructed them to stay in one house per town. This was to prevent offending hosts by seeking more comfortable or prestigious accommodations. Travelling light enabled them to move quickly, and their simple lifestyle set them apart from wandering preachers who went door-to-door collecting offerings. By living modestly and sharing homes with villagers—mostly peasants and artisans—the disciples would better identify with those they served. Simplicity was not meant to court hardship, but to show sincerity and unity with the people (vv. 4–5).

The mission was a success!!!

OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or even before You formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

  2. Thank you, Lord, that Your anger lasts but for a moment, but Your favour is for a lifetime.

  3. Thank you that weeping may endure for only a night and that a shout of joy comes in the morning, in Jesus’ name.

  4. Thank you, Lord, for calling and equipping us to serve others with humility and purpose, in Jesus’ name.

  5. Lord, may our Lord Jesus Christ come alive in the body of Christ, and fulfil your purpose for the church, in Jesus’ name.

  6. Lord, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, empower and enable the body of Christ to be able to stand firm and operate in the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  7. Lord, lead us in Your old pathway, open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and our hearts to understand and believe the truth of the gospel, in Jesus’ name.

  8. We daily put on the whole armour of God, Holy Spiri, to give us your strength, might and your power to withstand the wiles of the enemy, his cohorts and his agents, in Jesus’ name.

  9. Revive your church, O Lord, wake up those in demonic slumber, and jerk those at ease to the reality of their spiritual battle, in Christ Jesus.

  10. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell among the cherubim, shine forth into all dark areas of our nation. Stir up your strength before our nation, come and save us, in Jesus’ name.

 
 
 

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