Jesus, The High Road Leader: Follow the Path He Wants Us to Travel

by John C. Maxwell, Chris Hodges

The most important words Jesus ever spoke were, “Follow me.” But how are we to follow him in a divided world with so much bitterness, anger, and hate? How can we love God and love our neighbor as ourselves? We can do it the same way Jesus by taking the high road! In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told people to love their enemies, turn the other cheek, and go the extra mile. What he said can be summed up this “Take the high road.” That’s the road Jesus took. He was a high-road leader. His words and his actions made it clear he wants us • Value All People • Give More an We Take • Embrace Authenticity • Do the Right Things for the Right Reasons • Place People Above Our Agenda • Bring People Together in a World that Divides Best-selling authors John C. Maxwell and Chris Hodges show how every step of Jesus’ walk on earth was on the high road, and they explain how you can take that same path. Immerse yourself in the life of Jesus, and you will be equipped and inspired to take the high road in every situation, just like he did. When you do, you will be most like him. You will be salt and light in a world that desperately needs it.

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2024

About the author

John 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.

Reviews

[Bill Pence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows John Maxwell’s 2024 book "High Road Leadership: Bringing People Together in a World That Divides". It is co-written with pastor Chris Hodges, with the authors writing their own individual chapters.
The authors tell us that people on the high road follow Jesus’ example. They give more than they take. They serve others out of love. They turn the other cheek instead of taking offense. Their lives reflect the behavior of Jesus. And because they do these things, they make the world better and brighter. The authors want to encourage their readers to take the same road Jesus did.
Jesus embraced God’s values and lived them out perfectly. The authors ask us to contrast the life and leadership of Jesus with the people who are leading today. They tell us that our world is experiencing a values deficit.
The authors share eight behaviors Jesus modeled in the Gospels that have taught and empowered us to be salt and light to others. Each author explores four behaviors.
This helpful book will help you to learn how to lead like Jesus.
Here are the behaviors with a few takeaways I had:
Jesus Valued All People – John Maxwell
• We can become like Jesus when we follow his example of loving and valuing all people.
• He was always looking for the one who was overlooked. He saw potential in those who seemingly had little to offer.
• To be like Jesus, we must live his good values and value the people he values. That means everyone.
• As a high-road leader, Jesus assumed the best in people and treated them with love and respect.
• Valuing all people opens the door for relationships with them and offers opportunities to share our faith.
Jesus Gave More Than He Took - Chris Hodges
• Giving more than you take is at the core of taking the high road and being a servant leader.
• The value of your life isn’t determined by how much you achieve or accumulate but by how much of your life you give away.
• Jesus told us to take the high road and to give more, care more, do more than anyone would ever expect.
Jesus Didn’t Keep Score - John Maxwell
• When we learn to serve others the way Jesus did, we become more confident in who we are and stop comparing ourselves to others.
• Become a servant leader. Do what Jesus did—serve others without keeping score.
Jesus Acknowledged His Humanness - Chris Hodges
• High-road leaders embrace authenticity and sincerity. They’re willing to be known for who they are, not for who others want them to be.
• Rather than remaining exalted in heaven, Jesus humbled himself in his humanness to become the ultimate servant leader, our Good Shepherd and Savior. He modeled the way of high-road leadership.
Jesus Did the Right Things for the Right Reasons - John Maxwell
• Leaders always see more than others see, and they see before others see.
• One of the most powerful things you can do as a follower of Christ is keep doing the right things for the right reasons even when people criticize, blame, or try to harm you.
Jesus Embraced Authenticity - Chris Hodges
• Even if the people you lead do not agree with you, they will respect you if you are authentic.
• High-road leaders practice authenticity by doing what they say they will do and aligning their actions with their words.
• Authentic relationships occur when others realize you are willing to die to yourself in order to lead and serve them, to show them the way and open doors to help them.
Jesus Placed People Above His Agenda - John Maxwell
• What does it mean to be a leader? What does it mean to be a Christian leader? It means serving others.
• If we open our eyes and see the world the way Jesus did, we’ll recognize that much of the ministry we can do in this life will consist of opportunities dressed up as interruptions.
• High-road leadership requires us to treat others better than they treat us.
Jesus Brought People Together - Chris Hodges
• Giving thanks has the ability to bring people together because they feel seen, appreciated, and valued.

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earlier this year, I read John Maxwell's book High Road Leadership and I was excited to read Jesus, The High Road leader when it was released. Maxwell and Hodges have written a fantastic book that is laced with numerous scripture references. I coupled my reading of the book with my daily Bible reading. I underlined and highlighted multiple areas throughout the book as there are Biblical truths that apply to my life and yours. The subtitle is "Follow the Path He Wants Us to Travel", consequently this work is a realistic and practical guide that anyone can use in their life.

[Bradfor Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I choose the Jesus Way

There is not a book the John Maxwell has written or has been a part of that I have not gotten something out of. High Road Leader is another great that will show you the way Jesus lead and how we can emulate that in our leadership and lives. Grab it read it and if you have a Maxwell leadership Bible look at page1509/1510 you’ll find this message at the back of his Bible commentary.

[Diane E. Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Servant Leadership Well Explained

For those who study the Bible the book is a great compilation of most of the scriptures that provide guidance and examples of servant leadership. If you have not read the Bible the book may encourage you to read the Bible more and come to follow Jesus as a High Road Leader.

[Michael Burress]

Raise your heart and life to see a better way

I recommend anyone who wants to improve your life and grow yourself to read this book. A book full of simple tips and actionable techniques to see a better way to lead yourself, and others.

[Leo Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

practical and on point

It was to me to read Maxwell writing about the High Road Leader, co-authoring the material to unfolding Jesús Christ’s trials of greatness that we should replicate. I’m greatful for this material.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is inspirational, insightful and informative. It truly blessed me and I look forward to reading more books by Mr. Maxwell

[Howard Beason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

[lizanne espina · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing read

A Must read for biblical leadership. It will change your view on it or enhance it to where God wants it to be for your life. God bless you!

[Kristin Haner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A leadership and life must read

When we remember that everyone matters and to live and love like Jesus we can carry out God's message to transform lives.

[Daryl Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for Pastors

This is an excellent book for use by pastors, especially for those who lead a staff. I have used it as a part of staff development for over a year. Great book.

[Natalie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It taught me what it’s like to be a good leader being led by God.