The rankings are in: This is my new favorite leader in the Bible

Tom Harper June 3, 2024

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It's hard to choose the "best" biblical leader (other than Jesus, of course). You could make a case for Noah's bold perseverance, Nehemiah's political savvy, Joshua's bravery … the list goes on.

Who would you choose? I just decided I have a new top contender in this biblical leadership ranking … John the Baptist.

For one main reason. I came across a tiny little story in John chapter 3 (written by a different John). It forced me to highlight it and squeeze a bunch of notes into the margin next to it.

In verses 22-30, the Baptist's disciples complain to their boss that more people are going to Jesus instead of him to be baptized. "You were the original! In fact, you baptized him!" (My paraphrase.)

John's brilliant display of leadership humility silences them. And it impressed me deeply.

In verse 27, he says, "A man can only receive what is given him from heaven." He goes on to say he's not the one people should be following; he, in fact, is trying to lead people to the one who sent him.

John's famous admission in verse 30 is the crux of the whole passage: "He must become greater; I must become less."

He led his own disciples out of their jealousy and pride.

The biggest lesson I took away is that John didn't let his ministry become an idol, and he didn't let his followers convince him it should be.

He simply wanted his life to point to Jesus—even if that meant losing his personal followers. As long as they went to Jesus, John's joy would be complete.

And his mission would be accomplished.

That's how I want to lead, but I have an admission to make. Here it is in the form of a prayer, so you can join me:

Lord, you're going to have to lead these people to Jesus through me, because I don't really know what I'm doing.

Tom Harper
Founder, BiblicalLeadership.com
LinkedIn profile | Books

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Tom Harper is publisher of BiblicalLeadership.com and executive chairman of Networld Media Group, a business-to-business publisher and event producer. He has written five books, including Servant Leader Strong: Uniting Biblical Wisdom and High-Performance Leadership (DeepWater Books, 2019) as well as the Christian business fable Through Colored Glasses and its sequel Inner Threat (DeepWater, 2022). Learn More »

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