JESUS’ AUTHORITY AND INFLUENCE IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN: TOWARDS A JOHANNINE MODEL OF LEADERSHIP

  • Cornelis Bennema North-West University
Keywords: authority, Gospel of John, influence, leadership, personal example

Abstract

This study examines Jesus’ authority and influence in the Gospel of John and shows that Jesus’ style of leadership is exemplary or prototypical rather than autocratic. Jesus’ programme is ‘to testify to the truth’, that is, to proclaim the divine reality to the world. He uses influence (education and personal example) rather than authority (commands) to urge his disciples to continue his programme, so that people may believe and partake in a life-giving relationship with the Father and Son. This leadership style would be useful for contemporary models of leadership.

Author Biography

Cornelis Bennema, North-West University
Theology and the Development of the South African SocietyNorth-West University
Published
2017-01-24
Section
Articles