July 8: Jesus Criticizes Unjust Leaders (Matthew 23: 1-8, 23-26)

To begin the session:

Download the “Presidents on Leadership” quiz  here. Make a copy for each class member. Allow class members to work on them individually or in groups as they arrive. After all have arrived and have had time to try the quiz, reveal the answers. They are: 1=b, 2=a, 3=i, 4=j, 5=f, 6=d, 7=g, 8=e, 9=h, 10=c

Lead into Bible study by saying, “We are inspired by what great leaders say and do. On the other hand, poor leaders can dishearten us. Let’s see what Jesus said about the unjust religious leaders of his day.”

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Divide the class into groups of three to five class members each. Give groups pens and paper. Ask groups to look at the text and try to paraphrase verses to make a list of qualities of unjust leaders. Then they should rephrase each quality to make it a quality of a good leader. Give groups about ten minutes before having them share their lists. You will expect their lists to be like this:

Bad leaders do not behave in the way they expect others to behave.

Good leaders set a good example with their actions (v. 3).

Bad leaders give orders but offer no help in accomplishing them.

Good leaders support their followers in accomplishing assigned tasks (v. 4).

Bad leaders put unimportant details first.

Good leaders put important moral principles first (vv. 23, 24).

Bad leaders care more about appearances than character.

Good leaders know that good results come from good character (v. 25, 26).