The Leadership Lens of Luke 8
I’ve been wanting to share this article ever since I coached through a situation using this specific lens. Today’s insight comes from Gospel of Luke, chapter 8.
In this chapter, Jesus performs three separate healings. While the miracles themselves are powerful, they are not our focus today—His communication is.
In leadership, communication matters… a lot. Our teams are always watching. At times, we give direction. Other times, we lead by example. And still, there are moments when we invest one-on-one in the person right in front of us. Each approach is unique, and each is essential as we build trust within our teams.
Let’s look at these three moments.
1 – Jesus Restores a Demon Possessed Man
After healing the man who was possessed by demons known as “Legion,” Jesus gives him a clear directive:
“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”
Here, Jesus tells the man to go and share his story.
There are times as leaders when we need our people to help spread the mission. Their involvement matters. What they’ve seen, heard, and experienced firsthand carries weight. Their enthusiasm and clarity can help move others in ways we cannot on our own.
2 – Jesus Heals a Sick Woman
In the middle of a pressing crowd, a woman touches Jesus’ cloak and is instantly healed. Jesus pauses and asks, “Who touched me?”
He then acknowledges her publicly:
“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
Jesus didn’t instruct her to go tell others—He didn’t need to. The moment spoke for itself.
As leaders, there are times when our actions communicate more than our words ever could. Our teams are always watching. What we do matters.
What stands out here is that Jesus stops. Despite the moment’s urgency—He was on His way to heal a dying girl—He pauses. He sees this woman. He looks her in the eye.
Leadership requires awareness. It requires knowing when to slow down and value the person in front of you. It can also at times require us to put formalities and structure aside, and get the job done that’s at hand. Leading by example often speaks the loudest.
3 – Jesus Raises a Dead Girl
After raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead, Jesus gives a surprising instruction:
He tells them not to tell anyone what happened.
This moment is different.
Here, the miracle is private. Intentional. Reserved.
As leaders, we will encounter moments like this—times when our investment into someone is not meant for public view. These are trust-building moments. Conversations that are just for them. Time that is set apart.
And because they are exclusive, they become sacred.
Our teams recognize the value of time. When we dedicate time specifically to them, it becomes a gift—one that builds trust, loyalty, and depth in the relationship.
So, leader—today as you go about your work, consider these three moments:
Are you asking your team to help spread the mission?
Are you leading by example in a way others can clearly see?
Or are you investing deeply in a private, trust-building moment with just a few?
Each is necessary. Each is part of who you are. And each should play a role in how you lead.
Understanding the moment matters.
Let’s go be more like Jesus today.
-Mark