JAMB CRS Note- Leadership Qualities
Introduction to Leadership Qualities
Leadership is the ability to guide, inspire, and influence others to achieve goals or fulfill a vision. The Bible provides examples of leaders like Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and Judges, who demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities under God’s guidance.
Examples of Biblical Leaders
(a) Joseph (Genesis 37:1-28; 41:1-57; 45:1-15)
- Circumstances of Leadership:
Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob, which aroused jealousy among his brothers (Gen. 37:3-4).
His dreams foretold his leadership role, causing further resentment (Gen. 37:5-11).
Sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt (Gen. 37:28), he rose to prominence by interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams (Gen. 41:14-32).
- Major Talents:
Dream interpretation and wisdom (Gen. 41:25-36).
Administrative skills in managing Egypt’s resources during famine (Gen. 41:47-57).
Forgiveness and reconciliation with his brothers (Gen. 45:1-15).
- God’s Role:
God gave Joseph the ability to interpret dreams.
His rise to power was orchestrated by God to save many lives (Gen. 50:20).
- Achievements:
Saved Egypt and surrounding nations from famine.
Reunited and preserved his family, fulfilling God’s covenant with Abraham.
(b) Moses (Exodus 1-5; 12; Numbers 13:1-20; 14:1-19)
- Circumstances of Leadership:
Born during a time of oppression, saved from Pharaoh’s decree to kill Hebrew boys (Ex. 1:22–2:10).
Called by God through the burning bush to deliver Israel from Egypt (Ex. 3:1-10).
- Major Talents:
Courage and determination in confronting Pharaoh (Ex. 5:1-23).
Ability to lead and organize a large group (Ex. 12:37-51).
Intercession on behalf of the people (Num. 14:13-19).
- God’s Role:
Empowered Moses with signs and wonders to convince Pharaoh (Ex. 4:1-17).
Parted the Red Sea and provided for the Israelites in the wilderness (Ex. 14:21-31).
- Achievements:
Delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.
Gave the Israelites God’s laws (Ten Commandments).
(c) Joshua (Numbers 13:21-33; 27:15-23; Joshua 1:1-15; 6; 7; 24:1-31)
- Circumstances of Leadership:
Initially Moses’ assistant (Num. 27:18-23).
Took over after Moses’ death to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land (Josh. 1:1-5).
- Major Talents:
Military strategy and courage (Josh. 6:1-20).
Dedication to God’s commands (Josh. 1:7-8).
Ability to rally the people to renew their covenant with God (Josh. 24:14-28).
- God’s Role:
Promised Joshua victory and divine presence (Josh. 1:5).
Miraculously brought down the walls of Jericho (Josh. 6:20).
- Achievements:
Conquered and divided the Promised Land among the tribes.
Established Israel in Canaan, fulfilling God’s promises.
(d) Judges
- Deborah (Judges 4:1-24)
Circumstances: Called as a prophetess and judge during a period of oppression by Jabin, king of Canaan.
Talents: Wisdom, leadership, and ability to inspire Barak to lead the army.
God’s Role: Provided victory over Sisera’s army.
Achievements: Liberated Israel from Canaanite oppression.
- Gideon (Judges 6:11-40)
Circumstances: Called by an angel during Midianite oppression.
Talents: Faith and ability to lead a small army (300 men) to victory.
God’s Role: Assured victory through miraculous signs.
Achievements: Delivered Israel from the Midianites.
- Samson (Judges 13:1-7, 21-25; 16:4-31)
Circumstances: Born as a Nazarite with a divine mandate to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines.
Talents: Extraordinary physical strength.
God’s Role: Empowered him to defeat the Philistines, even in death.
Achievements: Brought temporary relief from Philistine oppression.
Leadership Qualities of Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and Judges
- Faith in God: All leaders trusted in God’s guidance.
- Visionary Leadership: They had clear visions of their goals.
- Courage: They faced opposition with boldness.
- Wisdom: They made sound decisions in critical situations.
- Forgiveness: Joseph exemplified this in reconciling with his brothers.
- Humility: Moses showed humility in his service to God and the people.
- Obedience to God: Joshua strictly followed divine instructions.
- Intercession: Moses and Deborah prayed for the people.
10 JAMB Objective Questions
- What was the primary reason Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery?
A) His colorful coat
B) His leadership dreams
C) His love for his father
D) His arrogance
- How did God first call Moses to lead the Israelites?
A) Through a dream
B) By speaking through a burning bush
C) Through Pharaoh’s decree
D) By a vision in Egypt
- Which leadership quality did Joshua exhibit in leading the Israelites to conquer Jericho?
A) Forgiveness
B) Strategic planning
C) Humility
D) Patience
- What role did Deborah play in Israel’s victory over Sisera?
A) Military strategist
B) Prophetess and judge
C) Army commander
D) Worship leader
- What sign did Gideon receive from God to confirm his calling?
A) A burning bush
B) Fleece test
C) Parting of the sea
D) Earthquake
- Which leadership quality did Joseph demonstrate when he forgave his brothers?
A) Courage
B) Humility
C) Faith
D) Generosity
- What was God’s primary instruction to Joshua in Joshua 1:7-8?
A) Be strong and courageous
B) Divide the land among the tribes
C) Conquer Canaan
D) Appoint judges over Israel
- How did Samson demonstrate his strength in Judges 16?
A) By defeating an army with 300 men
B) By tearing down the Philistine temple
C) By leading Israel in a battle
D) By killing a lion
- Why did God choose Moses to lead the Israelites?
A) He was the most educated Hebrew
B) He grew up in Pharaoh’s palace
C) He had compassion for his people
D) He was already a leader in Egypt
- What was the key factor in the fall of Jericho under Joshua’s leadership?
A) Military weapons
B) Divine intervention
C) Alliance with neighboring tribes
D) Deception
