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Leadership Lessons from Jesus and Moses

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Leadership Lessons from Jesus and Moses

Aron O. Hagos

Liberty University

April 24, 2021

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Abstract

In the 21st century, people may think that the Bible is irrelevant or has nothing to do with

leadership, and people who lived 4000 and 2000 years ago, like Moses and Jesus, have nothing

to offer in the area of leadership. However, the Bible is the greatest collection of leadership case

book studies; and leaders like Jesus and Moses have a lot to offer in the area of leadership. Most,

if not all, the qualities that contribute to effective leadership find their origin in the Bible and

leaders like Jesus and Moses. Thus, scholars and practitioners have a lot to learn from the

leadership experiences of Jesus and Moses. After providing a brief background about leadership

and leadership theories, the paper will compare and examine the leadership qualities, leadership

traits, behaviors, and skills of Jesus and Moses.

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Leadership Lessons from Jesus and Moses

In the 21st century, people may think that the Bible is irrelevant or has nothing to do with

leadership, and people who lived 4000 and 2000 years ago, like Moses and Jesus, have nothing

to offer in the area of leadership. However, the Bible is the greatest collection of leadership case

book studies; and leaders like Jesus and Moses have a lot to offer in the area of leadership. Most,

if not all, the qualities that contribute to effective leadership find their origin in the Bible and

leaders like Jesus and Moses. In fact, the Bible says, “What has been will be again, what has

been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (New International Version,

1978/2011, Ecclesiastes 1:9). Therefore, it is wise to go back to the source and origin of

leadership theories and draw firsthand lessons from leaders like Jesus and Moses.

Leadership

Even though leaders are not the only factor influencing organizational success and

follower happiness, leaders are generally significant factors and, sometimes, the most important

factors (Wart, 2013). In other words, the success of an organization depends on the effective and

efficient guidance of its leader (Parris & Peachey, 2013). Thus, not only has leadership gained

the attention of researchers worldwide (Northouse, 2018), but it is also the most

comprehensively researched area in the behavioral sciences (Barrow,1977).

According to Ben-Hur and Jonsen, (2012), a leader is someone who significantly affects

the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of his followers and other individuals. Leadership is a

complex process (Cameron, 2003). Leadership styles have been studied under the trait approach,

the behavioral approach, and the contingency approach (Agrawal & Krishnan, 2000). The trait

perspective suggests that certain individuals have special innate or inborn characteristics or

qualities that make leaders different from non-leaders (Northouse, 2018). In other words, the
 4

theory proposes that leaders have distinct traits, either inherited or acquired, which are part of

their personality and which enable them to influence others to achieve their goals (Holroyd et al.,

2015). Whereas, according to the behavioral theory, effective leaders adopt certain styles,

behaviors, and leadership skills that can be developed (Müller & Turner, 2010). The third

approach, contingency or the process viewpoint, suggests that leadership is a phenomenon

(Northouse, 2018), a product of a match between a leader and his circumstances (Haslam &

Reicher, 2014). Based on the above discussion, the author will compare and examine the

leadership qualities of Jesus and Moses, particularly their traits, behaviors, and skills, which the

author believes contribute to effective leadership.

Leadership Styles, Traits, Behaviors, and Skills of Jesus and Moses

In many respects, starting from their callings, Jesus`s and Moses’s leadership styles are

similar. Moses was called in the wilderness with a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-22); and Jesus

started his ministry after a voice came from heaven that says, “This is my Son, whom I love;

with him, I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Their journey was by no means straightforward

(Ben-Hur & Jonsen, 2012). Moses`s leadership did not emerge from a void; he was confronted

by a host of challenges in the wilderness that contributed to his emergence as a powerful leader

(Herskovitz & Klein, 1999). Through the journey, his role shifted from a revolutionary leader to

leading a reluctant people (Manning, 2017). Moreover, according to Herskovitz and Klein

(1999), his upbringing and education as a prince in the court of Pharaoh gave him the skills to

deal with the Pharaoh and to inspire and motivate his stiff-necked people; who were burdened

with a slave mentality long after their liberation. Thus, not only was he born to lead, but his

environment also helped him to develop leadership qualities.

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Jesus of Nazareth, who was born king (Matthew 2:2), lived on this earth less than 40

years, his public ministry lasted less than four years, left behind only a few followers, never

wrote a book, had no formal training, and in face of murderous opposition, he inspired such

loyalty that his followers are willing to die for him (Briner & Pritchard, 1997). Two thousand

years have passed now, Jesus`s followers are more than one billion. When it comes to leadership,

theoretically and practically, He is second to none. Indeed, his leadership style is relevant today.

Thus, scholars and practitioners have a lot to learn from the life and leadership experience of

Jesus. Moses too, through his failures and successes, has lessons to offer. Jesus`s and Moses`s

qualities of leadership, their leadership traits, behaviors, and skills made them make an enduring

impact. Indeed, they both were virtuous leaders.

Jesus and Moses – Virtuous Leaders

According to Aristotle, virtuousness is inherently good (Cordner, 1994), and virtue

represents moral excellence (Cameron, 2011). The Bible refers to Jesus as a “Good Shepherd”

(John 10:14). Regarding His moral excellence, He was without sin (Hebrew 4:15). As a virtuous

leader, He led by example. He did not instruct his followers to do what he taught them, instead,

he taught them to do what he did (Kimball, 1979). Moreover, he was not judgmental. As a

virtuous leader, He condemned the sin without condemning the individual (Kimball, 1979).

Many leaders in the Bible found their purpose in saving an individual or a large group of

people from suffering or death (Woolfe, 2002). So also, Jesus and Moses. Both, as virtuous

leaders, put their own needs second and ministered to others beyond the call of duty, tirelessly,

lovingly, and effectively (Kimball, 1979). Jesus`s death at the cross shows his commitment to

optimize the interests of others, which is the character of a virtuous leader (Caldwell et al.,

2015). Similarly, Moses showed his love to the people of Israel by arguing with God on several
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occasions, interceding, and effectively saving the people from God's wrath. According to

Zivotofsky (1994), Moses`s sense of justice, which he practiced no matter what the consequence,

his ability to see the needs of others, and his willingness to set aside his own needs for others

were his apparent leadership qualities.

Virtuous leaders do not harm, instead they rise above the obligations of moral

intelligence to create value higher than personal interest (Caldwell et al., 2015). On one occasion,

when the virtuous leader Jesus, healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people:

There are six days for work. So, come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.

But Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or

donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a

daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on

the Sabbath day from what bound her?” When he said this, all his opponents were

humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

(Luke 13:10-17).

Jesus kept himself virtuous, and thus when his closeness to the people permitted them to touch

the hem of his garment, virtue could flow from him (Mark 5:24-34). According to Kimball, the

problems in the world today spring from selfishness and self-centeredness in which too many

make harsh demands of life and others to meet their demands. But virtuousness represents the

best of what humankind aspires to (Caldwell et al., 2015). Virtuous leaders are selfless and

people of integrity.

Jesus and Moses – Men of Integrity

Integrity is the quality of honesty and trustworthiness (Northouse, 2018). According to

Caldwell et al. (2015), honesty and integrity are among the universally acknowledged behaviors
 7

that cross cultures, which are also the most important qualities that people desire to see in their

leaders. In a survey made by the best management experts in the world, James Kouzes and Barry

Posner, honesty and integrity were the most frequently cited traits of a good leader (Woolfe,

2002). Similarly, according to a survey made by the Meaning Center for Building Democracy,

followers care more about the integrity of their leaders and less about their knowledge and skills

(Manning, 2017). In other words, it does not matter how noble leaders cause are, if they do not

earn peoples` trust by being honest, people will not follow them too far (Woolfe, 2002).

People will not follow leaders they think are dishonest. Jesus was a man of great

integrity. “He did not sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth” (1st Peter 2:22). Jesus once

asked saying, “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?” (John 10:46). Similarly, Moses was a

man of great integrity (Woolfe, 2002). He possessed personal characteristics, integrity, tenacity,

and initiative, that enabled him to be an effective leader (Herskovitz & Klein, 1999). He was

faithful as a servant in all God’s house (Hebrew 3:5) and remained the servant leader until the

very end (Ben-Hur & Jonsen, 2012).

Jesus and Moses - Servant Leaders

Servant leadership, which was introduced into an organizational context by Greenleaf

(Parris & Peachey, 2013), is founded on the notion that a leader is a servant (Wart, 2011), and

leadership is a relationship, not a position (Reinke, 2004). The idea of servant leadership is

grounded in Christ`s teaching (Luke 22: 24-30). Wart (2011) defines servant mentality as an

ethic that primarily considers others` interests and concerns.

According to Kirkpatick and Locke (1991), leadership motivation involves the desire to

influence and to lead others, which is often equated with the need for power; and people with

high leadership motivation think a lot about influencing other people, winning an argument, or
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being the greater authority. However, Moses knew that leadership is ultimately about servitude

(Ben-Hur & Jonsen, 2012) and his initial refusal of God’s assignment indicates the absence of

any desire for power (Herskovitz & Klein, 1999). Likewise, Jesus led with a servant mindset. He

said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a

ransom for many” (Mark 10: 42-44). When God told Moses to go to Egypt to liberate the people

of Israel, he said, “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the

children of Israel out of Egypt? (Exodus 3:11). According to Ben-Hur and Jonsen, (2012),

Moses's complete reluctance to become the leader was one of the striking elements in the story

of his leadership. Moses was a very humble man (Numbers 12:3). But much more, Jesus`s

humility is amazing. Christ, even though He is the king of kings, He came down to earth to serve

and die for humanity with a servant mindset (Mathew 20:26-28; See also Philippians 2:5).

Humility is a core value of servant leadership (Wart, 2011), and leaders need to have the

ethic of a servant mentality. A humble spirit is the hallmark of the person God uses (Eims, 2012).

Service mentality is one of the top traits that contribute to effective leadership. According to

Manning (2017), true leadership is not about the leader, it is serving others and most importantly

serving someone greater than oneself with integrity. Moses as a meek and humble man, remained

the servant leader until the very end, exerting his moral authority through sacrifice by dying with

the first generation and not entering the Promised Land (Ben-Hur & Jonsen, 2012). Similarly,

Jesus served the will of his Father; and by becoming the atoning sacrifice for sins of the whole

world, he served humanity as well (1st John 2:2). After serving faithfully, Moses handed his

legacy over to Joshua, whom he had groomed as a leader from early on (Ben-Hur & Jonsen,

2012), and Jesus was able to groom his disciples for a very high place or responsibility in the

kingdom (Kimball, 1979). Yet, before they died, not only did they provide qualified successors,
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which according to Manning (2017), is one of the last and most trying tasks of leadership, but

they also did transform their followers. Jesus, not only did form the disciples, but he transformed

and empowered them to become masters who formed other disciples (Kopiczko, 2017), and

Moses accepted his role as a vehicle in the transformation of the slaves into free people (Ben-Hur

& Jonsen, 2012).

Jesus and Moses - Transformational Leaders

Transformational leadership, which is comprised of individual consideration, idealized

influence, inspirational motivation, and intellectual stimulation, has been hailed as highly

effective, producing positive effects for individuals, groups, and organizations (Arnold &

Loughlin, 2010). Transformational leaders have a unique connection with their followers

(Yammarino & Dubinsky, 1994) and display more frequent individualized consideration by

showing general support for the efforts of followers (Arnold & Loughlin, 2010). Moreover,

transformational leaders focus on the moral development of their disciples (Dion, 2012). The

story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector of the Roman government, shows how Jesus transformed

Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) and how people who lost their integrity can find it again (Woolfe,

2002).

Unlike transactional leaders, who rely heavily on power and authority, transformational

leaders emphasize expert and charisma (Wart, 2011), gaining respect, trust, and confidence of

others, and transmitting a strong sense of mission to the followers (Yammarino &, Dubinsky,

1994). Thus, transformational leaders have a potent psychological impact on followers that goes

beyond the effects of the quid-pro-quo of transactional leadership (Yammarino & Dubinsky,

1994). The transformation of Zacchaeus is a great example that shows how transformational

leaders motivate followers to perform beyond their expectations.

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According to Singh & Krishnan (2008), transformational leaders display self-sacrificial

behaviors, which is one variable that enhance transformational leadership. Self‐sacrifice,

abandonment or postponement of personal interests, or exercise of power, connection, and

individual consideration are important aspects of transformational leadership (Arnold &

Loughlin, 2010). Jesus displayed individual considerations and had personal connections with

his disciples and followers. The four gospels show Jesus`s widespread interest in personal and

social transformation (Yngvason et al., 2013). As a transformational leader, He transformed

humanity from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13). Similarly,

as a transformational leader, Moses managed to turn downtrodden slaves into a confident and

cohesive community, which managed to overcome a range of enemies and settle into the

Promised Land (Ben-Hur & Jonsen, 2012). He played an important role to forge a mass of slaves

into a free nation with a destiny (Herskovitz & Klein, 1999). According to Manning (2017),

Moses led the liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt, which has been a great

inspiration to the people in bondage from ancient times to the present. Likewise, Jesus

transformed humanity from law to grace; and from judgment to mercy (Romans 6:14), from

spiritual death to life (Ephesians 2:1-3), from darkness to light (Colossians 1:13). As a result, He

inspired such loyalty that his followers perform beyond expectations (Dion, 2012), and are

willing to die for him (Briner & Pritchard, 1997). Moreover, He transformed the idea of

leadership from the notion that people must serve the leader to the notion of servant leadership

by becoming a servant leader (Philippians 2: 6-7). Similarly, Moses moved Israel from slavery to

freedom, from Egypt to the promised land, from serving the earthly king to serving the Holy One

(Cohen, 2008). Indeed, transformational and virtuous leaders are people oriented.

Jesus and Moses - People-Oriented Leaders

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Virtuous leaders treat others as owners and partners and acknowledge they have a

covenantal duty toward employees to achieve their best interest (Caldwell et al., 2015). Thus, the

virtuous and people-oriented leader, Jesus, told his disciples, “I no longer call you servants,

because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for

everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). According to

Bury (2007), the first followers of Jesus, who consisted mainly of the Jewish lower classes,

needed strong leaders who would not only support them in their cry for freedom, but also

empower them to respond to their situation. Over the three years of his public ministry, the most

significant task for Jesus was to complete the process of forming 12 disciples (Kopiczko, 2017).

Thus, Jesus, as a virtuous and people-oriented leader, carefully selected his team, empowered

them, assigned clear roles, delegated, was attentive to his team and stakeholders, and finally

completed his project (Yngvason et al., 2013). Likewise, Moses as a virtuous and people-

oriented leader, was concerned in the welfare of his people and he served as an intermediary

between God and the Hebrews (Manning, 2017). He constantly interceded on their behalf. He

argued with God on several occasions, interceding and effectively saving the people from God's

wrath. In fact, in one occasion, Moses told God to kill him if God would not spare the people,

which is a display of self-sacrificial leadership behavior (Exodus 32). Thus, he forcefully

convinced God to spare the Hebrews (Herskovitz & Klein, 1999).

Individual consideration is one of the characteristics of transformational and people-

oriented leaders. According to Udin, et al., (2019). People-oriented leaders do not sacrifice

attention to human relationships for task-oriented behavior. Jesus displayed individual

consideration in his leadership style and behavior. The parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7)

and the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:1-7) are great examples of individual
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considerations. Similarly, according to Cohen (2008), the way Moses took care of Jethro`s sheep

and his concern for each one of the animals in the flock, even to a faulty, indicates the type of

leader he would eventually become. According to Ben-Hur and Jonsen, (2012), Moses

understood that a community is composed of individuals who each need to be supported in

different ways. A leader's compassion requires noticing another's need, empathizing, and acting

to enhance their well-being (Caldwell et al., 2015). Thus, Moses proved himself to be truly

empathic about the people's suffering as slaves and the torments of wandering in the desert; and

he served God and the people of Israel with integrity (Cohen, 2008). However, the emotional

maturity of the meekest man, above all the men which were on the face of the earth, was tried on

one occasion.

Emotional Intelligence and maturity of Jesus and Moses

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand and manage moods and emotions in

the self and others. In other words, it is the ability to understand other people's feelings and

understand and to control one’s own emotions (Humphrey, 2014). Humphrey also defines

emotional competency as the ability to perceive and regulate emotions. For Hyatt et al. (2007),

emotional maturity is the most important attribute which an individual can possess to ensure

success.

On one occasion, the emotional maturity of Moses was tried. According to New

International Version (1973/2020), when the people of Israel gathered in opposition to Moses

and Aaron and complained about water, God explicitly directed Moses to speak to the rock, yet

instead of speaking to the rock, he struck the rock twice with his staffs and water comes gushing

out. By striking the rock twice, he disobeyed his superior (Numbers 20:10). Moreover, he called

the Hebrews rebels. According to Herskovitz and Klein (1999), it was the very first time that this
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new generation of Hebrews expressed fear and doubt. Moreover, the new generation of Israelites

did not witness the miracles of the Exodus nor the awesome experience of revelation at Sina.

Thus, responding to them with anger and calling them rebels was not proper (Helfgot, 1993). The

author argues, at that moment, the reaction reflects the emotional immaturity of the meekest

man, Moses. Herskovitz and Klein (1999) argue that Moses’s response to this second water crisis

revealed that he was not a leader who could address the concerns and crises of a new generation.

Herskovitz and Klein go on to say that Moses was still tied to methods and perspectives of

leadership which were ineffective and inappropriate in the new situation.

Speaking about Jesus`s emotional intelligence and maturity, when he was accused by the

chief priests and the elders, he did not answer. “Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the

testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge-

to the great amazement of the governor” (Matthew 27:13-14). However, when he drove out those

who were selling at the temple, he was emotional and displayed anger (John 2:16-18). People

high on emotional intelligence are better at controlling their emotional reactions, thus, one could

argue that Jesus was not emotionally mature. According to Hyatt (2007), emotional maturity is

“the willingness and ability to utilize and apply the knowledge and understanding in an

appropriate and productive way” (para. 9). However, the author would argue that Jesus utilized

and applied the knowledge and understanding appropriately and productively. Moreover, the

author believes, to reflect emotions, like anger, on issues that one disagrees with fundamentally

is appropriate, of course without being physical. A certain amount of emotion, in Christ`s case

anger, was an essential response. However, in the case of Moses, not only did he disobey God,

but also failed to realize the changed circumstances of the new generation necessitate a change in
 14

his leadership style. Finally, all the above-discussed leadership traits and behaviors that

contribute to effective leaders need to be accompanied by good communication skills.

Leadership Communication Skills of Jesus and Moses

Communication is a process by which a sender conveys various types of information to a

receiver (Udin, 2019). It is the most important skill a leader must possess. Competent

communicators are identified by how well the message reaches its goal (Udin, 2019). Jesus was a

Master of Communication. His parables not only do speak in volumes, but they are also

appealing. The way He used to answer questions was extraordinary. For example, when the

teachers of the law and the chief priest sent spies and asked him if it is right for them to pay taxes

to Caesar, seeing their duplicity, said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose image and

inscription are on it?” Caesar’s,” they replied. He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what

is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Luke 20:20-26). They were unable to trap him in what

he had said in public. They were all astonished by his answer. Moreover, to explain to his

disciples the mystery of the Kingdom of God, he used every opportunity. His illustration ability

is unparalleled

Jesus did not possess a library with books in all possible languages. He explored the

surrounding world. He saw and showed birds, lilies, and a net full of fish. Foxes, pigeons,

snakes, as well as a shepherd, vineyard owner, and even a thief, became the ones who

passed along the message. He used seeds, trees, bird nests, thunder, lightning, and clouds

to pass on the information. We can say that he taught us to read the surrounding world.

(Kimball, 1979, p.69)

Communication is a two-way process (Wart, 2011). Thus, listening is linked with

communication. Jesus was a listening leader. Because he loved others with perfect love, he
 15

listened without being condescending (Kimball, 1979). Effective listening is a communicative

act that is considered central to effective leadership (Banwart, 2020). Wart (2011) asserts that not

only is listening to a source of information but also there is no substitute for actively listening

and taking a genuine interest in what others have to say. According to Kimball, (1979), a great

leader listens not only to others but also to his conscience and the promptings of God. Good

communication skills enable, foster, and create the understanding and trust necessary to

encourage others to follow a leader (Zulch, 2014). Thus, communication is the most important

skill a leader must possess. One of the main reasons that made Moses doubt his leadership

ability, and lose his confidence was because he lacked the one skill all leaders need: the ability to

speak well (Cohen, 2008).

Self-Confidence of Moses

Since Moses lacked the one skill all leaders need, the ability to speak well, he was

reluctant to lead the liberation of the Hebrews (Cohen, 2008); and described himself as one

whose lips are uncircumcised. While Ben-Hur and Jonsen (2012), see his description of himself

as an illustration of his humility, according to Herskovitz and Klein (1999), it was an apparent

loss of his youthful self-confidence. Northouse (2018) defines self-confidence as the ability to be

certain about one`s ability and competence and skill. Moses's lack of self-confidence could be

because of psychological insecurity, physical disability, or a genuine assessment that he was

unsuited for the task of liberating the Hebrews (Herskovitz & Klein, 1999). Indeed, he was slow

of tongue and sometimes had to rely on his brother Aron to speak for him (Woolfe, 2002).

However, Rabbis have interpreted this to mean that Moses did not feel he had the right to

represent the people because he was too Egyptian, and therefore inappropriate to lead the

Hebrews (Ben-Hur & Jonsen, 2012). In other words, he did not feel qualified for the job (Eims,
 16

2012). Authentic leaders are aware of their limitations (Wart, 2011). Thus, the author believes

that Moses describing himself as one whose lips are uncircumcised reflects his authenticity as

well. Moreover, Cohen (2008) argues that Moses was justifiably afraid to confront Pharaoh who

issued a death warrant against him. He was not confident to go to Egypt. Thus, he told God,

“Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else” (Exodus 4:13). Even after he accepted

the role of leading the liberation of the Hebrews, his confidence in his mission and the desire to

proceed were completely deflated following Pharaoh`s refusal to let the Israelites leave Egypt

(Cohen, 2008). He questioned God saying:

Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on these people? Is this why you sent me?

Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on these

people, and you have not rescued your people at all. (Exodus 5-22-23)

However, his doubts and his inadequacies were not a good reason for declining the Job (Eims,

2012).

Finally, the most effective leaders know they cannot be successful on their own, thus

make partners, capable individuals whose skills and knowledge complement their own, like

Aaron in the case of Moses (Cohen, 2008). Moreover, despite Moses questioning God, it is

worth noting that Moses hangs on to the purpose in the pace of physical calamity and

phycological doubts, even when all Israel's grumbled against him (Woolfe, 2002). Thus, his

ability to lead under adverse conditions cannot be undermined by his doubts (Zivotofsky, 1994).

Without an ongoing sense of mission and vision, he could not have done the job. According to

Ben-Hur and Jonsen (2012), the visionary Moses encouraged the people to maintain their faith

that they would arrive in the Promised Land despite being pursued by Pharaoh to the Red Sea,

and later wandering in the desert for 40 years. He was looking ahead to his reward and thus was
 17

not discouraged by adverse conditions (Hebrew 11:26). He remained resilient till the end, and he

has been an inspiration to Jews and others for centuries. Today, it is possible to see some of these

aspects in various leaders and leadership models, but seldom do we find them coexisting together

in one body or mind (Ben-Hur & Jonsen, 2012). When it comes to Jesus, He is the unmatched

and greatest leader the world has ever seen and will ever see. He showed his altruistic love to

humanity by dying the at the cross, and “For the joy set before him he endured the cross.”

(Hebrew 12:2)

Conclusion

The paper not only has attempted to compare and examine the leadership traits,

behaviors, styles, and skills of Jesus and Moses, but it has also identified styles, traits, behaviors

skills that contribute to effective leadership. Both Jesus and Moses had the most desirable

leadership traits, behaviors, and skills. Jesus and Moses were virtuous, servant, transformational,

and people-oriented leaders who led with integrity. Thus, they were effective leaders. Moses

made a lasting impact, and Jesus made an everlasting impact. The effectiveness of their

leadership traits, behaviors, styles, and skills are not subject to controversy, even people who do

not align with their theology cannot undermine their effectiveness. Hence, scholars and

practitioners have a lot to learn from the life and leadership experience of Jesus and the failures

and successes of Moses. Therefore, the Bible is the greatest collection of leadership case book

studies; and leaders like Jesus and Moses have a lot to offer in leadership.
 18

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