What do you think?
Rate this book
Jesus, The High Road Leader
200 pages, Hardcover
Published September 17, 2024
34 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
John C. Maxwell
1,003 books5,881 followersJohn Calvin Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. Titles include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. Some of his books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 9, 2025
4.5⭐️’s. Some of the Bible lingo is hard for me to understand but I really l enjoyed this
April 16, 2025
“Jesus the High Road Leader” is Maxwell demonstrating his leadership prowess through co-writing an excellent read with his partner, Chris Hodges. While reading the chapters written by Hodges, I often found myself thinking Hodges might be better writer which adds all the more to a foundational read on leadership.
“Jesus modeled the way by washing people’s feet and going to the cross.”
A quick historical inquiry into the biblical time period would reveal that most leaders in that day were all about themselves; even past heroes in the Scriptures at minimum had moments of self-centeredness. That was not what Jesus modeled for us and it isn’t what leads to a thriving legacy today. Maxwell and Hodges both argue that to have the impact we desire to have in our circles of influence, we must ditch the ever-increasing love of self that our world promotes and actively choose to encourage, serve, and promote those around us. To do so, we need look no further than the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I would recommend this read to everyone seeking simple biblical truth around the concept of leadership. Each page will illicit thoughts of how you as the reader can elevate those you have the privilege to lead.
“Jesus modeled the way by washing people’s feet and going to the cross.”
A quick historical inquiry into the biblical time period would reveal that most leaders in that day were all about themselves; even past heroes in the Scriptures at minimum had moments of self-centeredness. That was not what Jesus modeled for us and it isn’t what leads to a thriving legacy today. Maxwell and Hodges both argue that to have the impact we desire to have in our circles of influence, we must ditch the ever-increasing love of self that our world promotes and actively choose to encourage, serve, and promote those around us. To do so, we need look no further than the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I would recommend this read to everyone seeking simple biblical truth around the concept of leadership. Each page will illicit thoughts of how you as the reader can elevate those you have the privilege to lead.
January 7, 2026
It's good for what it's offered to be, but there's either some concerning theology influencing the writing of this book or a lack of thought behind some of the writing. "Jesus assumed the best in people" and "Jesus loved without correction" are both phrases written in this book, and both of them are borderline heresy. I'd consider reading for reminders of Jesus' grace and truth leadership, but I would not give this book to a young Christian or a new convert that would not be able to weed out the incorrect from the truth. Plus, it quotes from the Message. Bad enough.
April 3, 2025
John and Chris do a wonderful job laying out how Jesus exemplified the qualities of a great leader from how to deal with opposition to treating those who work and live around you.
Something we always talk about at work is what kind of leadership shadow do we cast? Because in every situation we are all leaders.
With the tools I learned in this book I can better cast a leadership shadow that resembles Jesus at work and at home with my family!
Something we always talk about at work is what kind of leadership shadow do we cast? Because in every situation we are all leaders.
With the tools I learned in this book I can better cast a leadership shadow that resembles Jesus at work and at home with my family!
October 26, 2024
This is a great book to remind us how to take the high road like Jesus did. I especially like the last part where it says to be thankful, and encourage others. This would be a great book for a new believer to help them as they develop their relationship with God. Will recommend it to others.
February 1, 2025
Great read. As expected from John Maxwell, an easily understandable book that is practical. This book is a guide for Christians that will teach you how to be a servant leader, just like Jesus Christ exemplified.
October 6, 2024
Outstanding book. This message is needed today more than ever.
October 22, 2024
What an excellent book! I loved the combination of John Maxwell’s High Road Leadership with references from the Bible. Easy to read and inspire!
January 14, 2026
The co-authors do an excellent job of bringing to life the high road leadership style of Christ.
April 5, 2025
This is one of those books that just speaks straight to the heart. I knew going in it would be solid (it’s John Maxwell, after all), but I didn’t expect to be highlighting something on nearly every page.
This book walks through how Jesus led—not just with authority, but with deep compassion, humility, and a clear sense of purpose. There’s something so powerful about the way Maxwell explains high-road leadership: it’s not about being “nice” or passive. It’s about choosing the harder, higher way—putting people before agendas, doing the right thing even when it’s inconvenient, and staying grounded in truth.
It's broken down into core behaviors:
Value all people – Everyone matters, no exceptions.
Give more than we take – Lead with generosity and service.
Embrace authenticity – Show up with honesty and integrity.
Do the right things for the right reasons – Motives matter.
Place people above your agenda – Relationships over results.
Bring people together in a divided world – Be the one who builds bridges.
And then there were those quotes that just hit:
“Jesus wants us to be salt and light. Salt makes things better, and light makes things brighter.”
“High road leaders give more than they take.”
“When we lead like Jesus, we build people up instead of breaking them down.”
This isn’t just a one-time read—it’s the kind of book I’ll keep coming back to for encouragement, reminders, and wisdom I can actually use in my day-to-day life. Whether you're leading in your home, your work, or your community, this book is such a valuable guide.
This book walks through how Jesus led—not just with authority, but with deep compassion, humility, and a clear sense of purpose. There’s something so powerful about the way Maxwell explains high-road leadership: it’s not about being “nice” or passive. It’s about choosing the harder, higher way—putting people before agendas, doing the right thing even when it’s inconvenient, and staying grounded in truth.
It's broken down into core behaviors:
Value all people – Everyone matters, no exceptions.
Give more than we take – Lead with generosity and service.
Embrace authenticity – Show up with honesty and integrity.
Do the right things for the right reasons – Motives matter.
Place people above your agenda – Relationships over results.
Bring people together in a divided world – Be the one who builds bridges.
And then there were those quotes that just hit:
“Jesus wants us to be salt and light. Salt makes things better, and light makes things brighter.”
“High road leaders give more than they take.”
“When we lead like Jesus, we build people up instead of breaking them down.”
This isn’t just a one-time read—it’s the kind of book I’ll keep coming back to for encouragement, reminders, and wisdom I can actually use in my day-to-day life. Whether you're leading in your home, your work, or your community, this book is such a valuable guide.
November 19, 2025
Though I didn't care for the translation of the bible he used (it was more of a paraphrased version), this book was very well-written and has excellent points that ALL should follow who are in positions of leadership, regardless of what faith they practice.
January 14, 2026
3.5/5
Started this with my men’s group and it was a great one to go through. Maxwell and Hodges give clear, practical, Godly examples of how to lead like Jesus and take the high road when the world tells you to do the opposite. Encouraging read!
Started this with my men’s group and it was a great one to go through. Maxwell and Hodges give clear, practical, Godly examples of how to lead like Jesus and take the high road when the world tells you to do the opposite. Encouraging read!
August 19, 2025
Great book, calling us to a higher level of leadership based on Jesus' example.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews