Daily Devotional | Leading in Grace and Truth

As a professor, I am sometimes asked to introduce guest speakers in chapel and at conferences. I sometimes struggle with finding the right words to say, sorting through all the things I know about the person to phrase the perfect introduction. Imagine, for a moment, that you were asked to introduce Jesus. How would you describe Him?

In John 1:14–18, the apostle John does just that. John knew Jesus as His friend, his esteemed leader, and also as the Messiah to the world. Here John describes Jesus as One whose life is marked by humility. The Son of God chose to dwell with us. Jesus knew that the people He came to serve would turn their backs on Him. Even so, He chose to come and dwell with us (v. 14). John and others saw “his glory” firsthand, how it radiated and reflected God the Father (v. 14).

John describes Jesus as “full of grace and truth,” (v. 14). The word “full” is significant. Jesus didn’t display 50 percent grace and 50 percent truth, He fully embodied both qualities. In every situation and in every encounter, Jesus poured out these attributes. He spoke truthfully. He never sugar-coated sin and yet, He also extended grace.

Grace is defined as the unmerited or undeserved favor of God toward humanity. Jesus embodied both truth and grace. His death on the cross was the ultimate example. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). While we have considered many examples of great leaders, our ultimate example will always be Jesus. What would it take for our lives to be characterized by grace and truth?

>> What would they say if someone had a few moments to introduce you and your leadership style? What would you hope they would say? Now, what do you need to change, so your life can match their words?