“Along the way” is a great way to describe how Jesus led from the Middle. It seems that Jesus was strategically opportunistic in making sure both his words and actions were inclusive to those around him and modeled for his friends what it looks like to lead from the Middle. Consider the following "along the way" moments in the leadership of Jesus.

Along the way, Jesus pointed at the golden grapevines on the temple and began to talk to His friends.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me." (John 15:1-4 )

Along the way, Jesus explained greatness to His friends.

"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 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 10:43-45)

Along the way, Jesus explained parables to His friends.

Then He left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to Him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field." (Matthew 13:36 )

Along the way, Jesus explained to His friends that Lazarus was dead, and He was going to do something about it.

After He had said this, He went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up." His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better." Jesus had been speaking of his death, but His disciples thought He meant natural sleep. So then He told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." (John 11:11-15)

What will you do "along the way" as you develop your disciple-making leadership from the Middle? Take a few minutes to see how or where you can create space in your coming and going; ask God to show you what he wants done along the way.

(Leading From the Middle - How the Leadership of Jesus Launched a Movement, a new book by Leonard Lee, will be available for presale soon. Stay tuned for details on how to order!)