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Motives Matter

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” — Matthew 28:18 ESV

This month, I’ve been reflecting on Matthew 28:16, which opens with a simple yet profound line:

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.”


Eleven. Not twelve.


We know why. Judas, one of the twelve, had betrayed Jesus and, overwhelmed by guilt, took his own life. For three years, Jesus had invested in the lives of these twelve men—teaching, guiding, equipping. He added value to them not by coercion or control, but through servant leadership. And yet, one of them turned his back on everything Jesus stood for.


What Went Wrong?


Commentators have offered many theories about Judas’s motives. The one I find most compelling is this: Judas expected Jesus to be a military-style messiah, someone who would rise up, overthrow Rome, and place his followers in positions of power. Judas followed Jesus for what he thought he could get—power, status, freedom from oppression. He wanted a seat at the table of influence.


But leadership motivated by personal gain always has a price.


“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.” — Matthew 7:18

Judas’s leadership was rooted in self-interest. He wasn’t following Jesus—he was using Him. That’s not leadership; that’s manipulation. And when people lead from a place of self-serving ambition, they often resort to control, intimidation, or worse to hold onto their position. But you can’t lead people well when you're willing to sacrifice them for your own goals.


It’s hard to add value to others when you're subtracting their worth.


So, What About You?


Here’s the leadership gut-check:

"Am I guiding others because I’m following where God is leading, or am I chasing my own agenda?"

True leadership is service. It’s rooted in calling, not control. It’s not about what you can get, but who you can grow.

If you’re unsure of your motives—or even just curious—consider investing time in discovering your core values and clarifying your “why.” These aren’t buzzwords; they are foundational tools that align your leadership with God’s purpose, not just your preferences.


At Leadership Harbor, we specialize in coaching that helps you reflect deeply and lead intentionally. Whether it’s one-on-one coaching, group masterminds, or leadership experiences, we’re here to walk with you as you grow into the leader God is calling you to be.


“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” — Matthew 20:26


So go—lead well, serve humbly, and outlive your limits.

— Your Coach, Aaron Jones


P.S. I'd love to help you explore your leadership potential. Whether you're leading a business, a team, your family, or just starting your journey, let's connect! Schedule a free discovery coaching session or explore one of our incredible leadership opportunities:

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