by Jun Marfori
Leaders, let us continue our Easter reflections.
In the Gospel of the walk to Emmaus, Jesus reveals leadership at its most human and transformative. After days marked by confusion, grief, and dashed hopes, two disciples begin the long, seven‑mile walk away from Jerusalem. They are weighed down—debating events, struggling to make sense of what has happened, visibly downcast.
It is into this emotional space that Jesus enters.
“He himself drew near and walked with them.”
Before teaching, correcting, or explaining, Jesus accompanies. He matches their pace, shares the road, and listens. His first act of leadership is not instruction, but presence.
He then asks simple, open questions: “What are you discussing as you walk along?” “What sort of things?”
These questions do not lead; they invite. They create space for the disciples to open up, tell their story, and begin their own journey toward understanding. Only later does Jesus interpret, narrate, and illuminate.
Accompaniment comes before explanation.
At the end of their shared journey, their hearts have begun to burn, their vision cleared, and they have moved from discouragement to renewed purpose. Transformed, they return with urgency and joy—to bless and encourage others.
Great leaders do the same.
They walk with people before directing them.
They listen deeply and respond with empathy.
They ask thoughtful questions that lead others to insight and self‑discovery.
Ultimately, great leaders make themselves “less,” so that others may become “more.”
Peace.
