Leadership Expectations

When we last saw Jesus, he had just announced the appointment of twelve leaders. Not everyone was likely thrilled with the final list. What about the women disciples? Yes, there were many women who were not just followers of Christ, but true disciples. Luke 8:1–3 lists several of them.

As Jesus looked into the faces of those chosen—and those not chosen—he would have seen a mix of reactions. Perhaps everyone expected Peter, but what about Matthew, the tax collector? Surely some struggled with that choice. Matthew had been a traitor to his people and widely hated—so why would Jesus choose him? And what about the fact that eleven of the twelve were from Galilee?

Questions from your reading

• As Jesus preaches this “ordination sermon,” who is he looking at (Luke 6:20)? How do you visualise this?
• What is Jesus modelling for us about leadership?
• What is Jesus saying that leaders should expect from ministry?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

Jesus turns his gaze toward the large crowd of disciples, most likely seated on the ground, as he announces his leadership team. He then offers a powerful teaching on expectations. But why talk about expectations?

One of the biggest sources of discouragement in life is unmet or false expectations. We begin relationships, jobs—even ministry—with certain assumptions. But when reality doesn't match, disappointment follows. Jesus addresses this problem early. He wants his leaders to know exactly what they’re signing up for.

One of the key principles in leadership is to state expectations clearly. Here are eight that Jesus lays out for his new team:

Expectation #1: Expect to experience poverty in ministry—times when you have nothing to your name. When those moments come, remember you are blessed (Luke 6:20). Poverty is a gift from the Father to keep you dependent on him—don’t reject it; embrace it.

Expectation #2: Expect to experience riches in ministry—times when the floodgates of provision open. But be careful. Wealth can tempt you to believe you deserve what you're receiving. Don't forget who is blessing you (Luke 6:24).

Expectation #3: Expect to go hungry in ministry—times when your stomach is empty. When that happens, remember you are blessed (Luke 6:21). Hunger reminds a leader that it’s not by bread alone that we live, but by every word from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).

Expectation #4: Expect to be well-fed in ministry—times when you will feast like royalty, even in the presence of rulers. But don’t let abundance dull your hunger for the Bread of Life, who satisfies forever (Luke 6:25).

Expectation #5: Expect to experience pain in ministry—times when you will weep deeply. When those seasons come, remember you are blessed (Luke 6:21). Pain is a gift from the Father, reminding us that we do not grieve like those without hope. Our hope is anchored in Jesus (Heb. 6:19).

Expectation #6: Expect to laugh in ministry—moments of deep joy and humour as you walk with others in discipleship. But let laughter never keep you from sharing in the pain of others or carrying each other’s burdens (Luke 6:25).

Expectation #7: Expect to be hated, ostracised, insulted and scorned for the name of Jesus. Persecution will come—but when it does, rejoice, because you are blessed (Luke 6:22–23). This is not a strange experience, but a promised one for those who live like Jesus (2 Tim. 3:12).

Expectation #8: Expect to be praised—there will be times when people speak well of you for what God is doing through you. But be cautious. Don’t take the glory for yourself (Luke 6:26), for God shares his glory with no one (Isa. 48:11).

Applying what you’ve read

Those who are true disciples of Jesus are promised tough times on this earth. Why? Because hardship—poverty, hunger, tears, and persecution—is the raw material the Father uses to shape us into the image of his beloved Son. That is his job in your life (Rom. 8:29). Your job is simply to submit to him and allow the transformation to happen.

Share this with a friend today. Discuss your expectations in life and compare them with the expectations of a true disciple.