Jesus’ Servant Leadership in African Perspective: An Expository Analysis of Mark 10:2-45 with Particular Reference to Nigeria

Abstract

The alarming poverty situation in Africa is a concern for everybody in Nigeria. It is no doubt the cause of socio-economic problems bedeviling Nigeria particularly in the areas of crime, militancy and religious insurgency. It has also resulted in the recent calls for restructuring of the country, making the 1914 amalgamation, a curse rather than a blessing, as a result of incessant leadership failure. This paper looks into Jesus' leadership style of serving his subject sacrificially rather than being served. Mark 10:2-45 is studied by way of exposition and compared with John to reveal the six metaphors of a successful leader such as servant, scapegoat, shepherd, steward, student and salesperson as the overall secret of Jesus' successful leadership. The paper denounces "the hand in pocket" leadership style of Africa particularly in Nigeria where leadership is seen as a means of grabbing the collective common wealth to the detriment of the populace. It recommends Jesus’ servant leadership for sustainable development.