Chapter 1: Compassion – The Heart of Christ’s

Ministry
Jesus’ compassion was the driving force of His earthly ministry. The Gospels repeatedly tell us
that “he had compassion” on hurting crowds (Matthew 9:36) and on individuals (Mark 1:41,
Luke 7:13). For example, at the sight of the widow of Nain weeping over her only son, “the
Lord had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep’” (Luke 7:13). In other words,
Jesus felt with people and moved them toward hope. This is more than sentiment; it is a holy
empathy. An ancient commentator notes that Jesus’ compassion (σπλαγχνίζομαι in Greek) “casts
out the very roots of despair and invites us to faith”【10†】. Theologically, His compassion flows
from the Father’s heart (He is God incarnate), and He taught that genuine ministry must reflect
divine mercy (Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful…”).
In practical terms, compassion is essential for pastors and teachers today. A shepherd-leader who
echoes Christ must care deeply for the wounded, the lost, the broken (Matthew 25:36).
Compassionate preaching means addressing congregational needs: feeding the hungry (as Jesus
did with the 5,000), comforting the grieving, and healing the sick. It also means speaking truth
with grace. As one scholar observes, Christ’s mercy “transformed plight into hope”【10†】, and
modern ministers likewise let mercy temper judgment. In real-world ministry, this looks like
listening long before lecturing, visiting the lonely or imprisoned, and providing practical support
(food banks, counseling) as an outflow of love. In short, Jesus’ heart of compassion invites
pastors to be imitators of “our merciful Father” and to lead their flocks in love’s footsteps.

Chapter 2: Humility – The Servant King

Jesus embodied humility even as He wore the crown of deity. The Bible emphasizes that He
“made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7) and that He
described Himself as “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). His actions spoke the same
message: the King of kings stooped to wash His disciples’ feet (John 13), and He often sought
solitude and prayer rather than drawing attention (Mark 1:35). In many ways, Christ’s life
reframed true greatness as servanthood (Mark 10:44–45). One commentary notes that Jesus’
humility undergirded His authority; though His word carried power, “the meekness of the Christ
gave integrity to His message”.
For today’s pastors and teachers, Christ’s humility is a model for leadership. Theologically,
pastors are called to lead by serving, echoing the Servant Lord. This means avoiding pride and
ambition. Practically, humility shows up when leaders admit mistakes, say “I don’t know,” and
include others’ gifts. Jesus never wielded His authority for ego’s sake; similarly, church leaders
build trust when they value others over themselves. A humble preacher will stand on God’s
Word, not on personal pedigree or winning crowds. For example, Paul urges ministers to boast
only in Christ’s cross (Galatians 6:14), not their own eloquence. In application, humble
leadership might look like sharing power in decisions, submitting to accountability, and
cultivating a teachable spirit. In all, pastors who mirror Jesus’ meekness find that “the first will
be last” (Matthew 20:16) as Christ’s way truly fulfills the Kingdom.
Chapter 3: Authority – Speaking with Power
and Truth
Christ’s authority was unmistakable. The Gospels remark that He taught “as one who had
authority, and not as the teachers of the law” (Matthew 7:29). His words often went hand-in-
hand with action: He rebuked storms, forgave sins, and healed diseases by His command.
Crucially, Jesus’ authority was grounded in truth and love. He was not an authoritarian or bully;
rather, He trusted Scripture and the Spirit. As one theologian observes, Jesus “never had to
manufacture authority by intimidation; instead He stood under the authority of the Father and the
Word”. Indeed, Christ declared Himself the Son of God (John 10:36) and later said all authority
in heaven and earth was given to Him (Matthew 28:18). His authority was exercised with
integrity – even amid opposition, He affirmed truth calmly (e.g. before Pilate in John 18).
For modern preachers and teachers, reflecting Jesus’ authority means boldly proclaiming biblical
truth. Pastors are not merely presenters of opinion, but heralds of the Gospel. This doesn’t mean
domineering the flock, but it does mean being resolute when confronting error or moral decay.
Like Christ, a shepherd should not flatter sin but lovingly confront it (Ephesians 5:11). At the
same time, Jesus’ model warns against abusing power. He ministered with compassion (Chapter
1) and humility (Chapter 2) even as He asserted truth. In practical ministry, this balance looks
like confidence in Scripture (preaching Christ crucified and resurrected) while being patient and
kind toward doubters (2 Timothy 4:2). A pastor’s authority comes from faithfulness, not force.
When a leader “preaches [God’s] Word” faithfully, even the people of God recognize that he
stands on higher ground.

Chapter 4: Integrity – Walking the Talk

Jesus exemplified perfect integrity: His life flawlessly matched His teaching. He was known as
“the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), and He declared, “I always do what
pleases him” (John 8:29). He consistently honored truth – whether criticized by Pharisees or mob
(e.g. Luke 4:24–30). He never resorted to deception, even when tempted in the wilderness
(Matthew 4:1–11). One writer notes that Jesus’ integrity was “the thread that bound His words
and deeds”. In short, Christ lived out what He preached.
For today’s ministers, integrity is non-negotiable. Scripture warns that teachers will be judged
more strictly (James 3:1). Thus, a pastor’s personal life – honesty, fidelity, transparency – must
reinforce his public ministry. A church remembers scandals far longer than sermons. But with
integrity, a leader’s testimony powerfully backs up his message. Theologically, Paul urges
Christians to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10). Practically, this might
involve financial accountability, honest admission of failures, or humility in times of success. A
minister of integrity also means demonstrating the Gospel: forgiving those who hurt us, refusing
bribes or favoritism, and living simply as Christ did. In real ministry, integrity wins hearts:
parishioners trust leaders who are “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2) and who exemplify the
Gospel in daily life. As one pastor summed up, “The greatest sermon is the life you live”.
Thus, integrity supports everything we teach.
Chapter 5: Wisdom – Discernment from Above
Jesus’ wisdom was legendary. Crowds marveled: “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John
7:46). From boyhood to adulthood He grew “in wisdom” (Luke 2:52). His teaching combined
deep insight with simplicity. He taught parables that drew from everyday life yet cut to spiritual
truths (the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan, etc.). He answered trick questions with clarity and
humility (for instance, when asked about taxes to Caesar in Luke 20:22–25). Moreover, Jesus’
wisdom wasn’t just intellectual; it was Spirit-led (Matthew 10:19–20) and rooted in love. He
knew human hearts intimately and offered counsel accordingly.
For pastors and teachers, wisdom is crucial for rightly handling Scripture and caring for people.
The Bible says the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Thus, a
minister prays continually for God’s guidance (James 1:5). Wisdom enables a preacher to discern
cultural currents (for relevant application) while anchoring in eternal truth. It also equips pastors
to guide congregants through life’s complexities: counseling couples, making tough decisions, or
knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. Practically, a wise church leader studies
Scripture deeply, learns from mentors, and is sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice. Christ’s
example reminds us that wisdom often requires patience; for years He taught in Galilee before
culminating His work in Jerusalem. In ministry terms, this means long-term faithfulness. When
we exhibit godly wisdom, our teaching gains credibility – as James says, wisdom from above
produces purity, peace, and good fruit (James 3:17).
In sum, these five traits – compassion, humility, authority, integrity, and wisdom – were
embodied perfectly in Jesus Christ. They are not optional extras for Christian leaders but the very
fiber of Christlike ministry. Rooted in Scripture and the love of God, each trait plays a vital role:
compassion opens hearts, humility models servanthood, authority asserts truth, integrity builds
trust, and wisdom leads rightly. By God’s grace, pastors and teachers today can cultivate these
character qualities. In doing so, they become living epistles, reflecting the Master they serve, and
effectively shepherd His flock in an age eager for authentic, Christ-centered leadership.
Sources: Biblical accounts of Jesus’ ministry and character (e.g. Matthew 9:36; Mark 1:41; Luke
7:13; John 13; Philippians 2; John 11:35) and pastoral theology (see [10], [13]).