Follow the Leader - Part 1

Follow the Leader - Part 1

Speaker: Pastor Jeremiah

What makes someone a leader worth following? In the opening message of Follow the Leader, Pastor Jeremiah points to Jesus as our example of leadership shaped by surrender, service, intentional love, and truth.

Through Scripture and personal reflection, he challenges believers to spend time with God before trying to influence others. Christlike leadership grows as we depend on the Holy Spirit, serve beyond convenience, and invest in people's lives. The practical challenge is simple: begin with one person you can consistently love, serve, and help grow closer to Jesus.

EPISODE ROADMAP

00:18 - Who are we following? The series begins by examining leadership through Christ's example rather than titles, power, or popularity.

03:33 - Jesus followed the Father. Time with God shapes our direction, priorities, and readiness to lead.

10:48 - Surrender before influence. Prayer and obedience come before building a platform or making a name for ourselves.

15:18 - Jesus served others. Washing the disciples' feet illustrates sacrificial love and challenges service based only on convenience.

22:45 - Love people intentionally. Take the first step, notice needs, and build relationships without treating people as projects.

32:30 - Speak truth and stay invested. Loving leadership includes hard conversations and a commitment to walk alongside people as they grow.

34:00 - Start with one person. Identify someone you can serve consistently and help encounter Jesus.

37:49 - Examine your own example. Pastor Jeremiah reflects on his leadership and invites listeners into humility, repentance, and renewed time with God.

43:27 - Respond through surrender. The message closes with an invitation to worship, let go of self-reliance, and ask God to change our hearts.

SCRIPTURE CONNECTIONS

Selected passages named or paraphrased in the message. References identify the teachings discussed; timestamps are approximate.

• John 5:19; John 8:28-29; Luke 5:16 - Jesus acts in dependence on the Father and withdraws to pray. These passages anchor the call to follow before leading.
• Matthew 28:19-20 - The call to make disciples prompts the question: are we personally following the One we invite others to follow?
• Zechariah 4:6 - Dependence on God's Spirit, rather than human strength, supports the message's emphasis on surrender.
• Mark 10:42-45; John 13:1-17 - Jesus defines greatness through service and models it by washing His disciples' feet.
• Romans 8:14 - Being led by God's Spirit connects identity as God's children with daily obedience.
• Matthew 9:37-38 - The plentiful harvest and shortage of workers highlight opportunities to serve and reach people.
• Hebrews 11:1 - Faith supports the encouragement to take obedient steps without seeing the whole outcome.
• John 13:34-35 - Love identifies Jesus' disciples. The message calls for a visible, sacrificial love that goes beyond talking points.
• John 12:24 - The seed that dies and bears fruit illustrates the closing call to surrender self-centered priorities.

TAKEAWAY

Spend time with Jesus, follow His example, and invest in one person. Lead through humble service, intentional love, and truth supported by a life of obedience.