Leadership Lessons from Jonathan: Serving the Bigger Picture

Today, we celebrated the incredible growth and movement of God within our Canvas Church family, welcoming new members from various campuses and correctional facilities, and announcing exciting changes to our service times to make room for even more people to encounter Jesus. As we look ahead, we are committed to doing whatever it takes to reach one more person with the gospel, adjusting and flexing as needed so that no one is turned away from hearing the life-changing message of Christ.

We then turned our attention to a powerful lesson from the life of Jonathan, son of King Saul, whose story in the Old Testament offers one of the most profound examples of true, godly leadership. Jonathan’s life teaches us that leadership is not about titles, positions, or personal advancement, but about serving others, championing their potential, and being secure enough in our own identity to lift others up—even when it costs us personally. Jonathan, though the rightful heir to the throne, recognized the hand of God on David and willingly relinquished his own claim, choosing instead to support and encourage David to become the king Israel needed.

Jonathan’s big-picture thinking allowed him to see himself securely, free from the traps of inferiority or superiority. He was able to judge himself realistically, neither underestimating nor overestimating his value, and this security freed him to see others correctly. He did not view David as a threat, but as God’s chosen answer for the nation. Jonathan’s devotion to the kingdom and to God’s purposes was greater than his desire for self-promotion, and this allowed him to follow God courageously, even when it meant personal sacrifice.

We are challenged to adopt this same big-picture mentality: to see our lives as part of something much greater than ourselves, to serve others selflessly, and to invest in the potential of those around us. When we do, we not only share in their success, but we also fulfill our highest calling as followers of Christ—to love, serve, and build up others for the glory of God. May we be a people who don’t just hear these truths, but live them out daily, making it our mission to leave everyone we meet better than we found them, and to see and serve others through the eyes of Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Big-picture thinking leads to secure leadership Jonathan’s ability to see the larger purpose of God’s plan allowed him to be secure in his own identity. He neither diminished his own worth nor inflated it, but saw himself honestly. This security freed him from jealousy and competition, enabling him to serve others without fear or resentment. True leadership begins with a realistic and humble self-assessment, rooted in God’s calling rather than personal ambition. [35:12]
• 2. Serving others unlocks greater influence Jonathan’s willingness to champion David, even at the cost of his own advancement, demonstrates that influence grows when we invest in others. By putting the needs of the nation and God’s purposes above his own, Jonathan’s legacy became intertwined with Israel’s greatest king. When we serve and build up others, we participate in something larger than ourselves, and our impact multiplies far beyond what we could achieve alone. [42:29]
• 3. Insecurity sabotages relationships and calling Unchecked insecurity leads to self-centeredness, broken relationships, and missed opportunities to advance God’s kingdom. Jonathan’s story contrasts sharply with Saul’s, whose insecurity led to jealousy, fear, and ultimately his downfall. Bringing our insecurities to God, seeking healing, and choosing to encourage and affirm others is essential for healthy relationships and effective ministry. [52:19]
• 4. Investing in others’ potential brings lasting fulfillment There is deep joy and reward in seeing those we have encouraged and mentored step into their God-given calling. Jonathan’s investment in David’s life not only changed the course of a nation but also brought him the satisfaction of knowing he played a vital role in God’s story. Our greatest legacy is often found in the lives we touch and the people we help become all that God has called them to be. [54:28]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [16:24] - Celebrating Growth and New Campuses
• [17:22] - Unprecedented Salvations and Baptisms
• [18:16] - Growth Brings New Challenges
• [19:07] - Capacity Issues and Service Adjustments
• [21:14] - New Service Times and Thursday Launch
• [22:13] - Thursday Night “First Sunday” Explained
• [23:19] - Making Room for One More
• [24:36] - Old School Series Introduction
• [25:24] - Redefining Leadership
• [28:52] - Jonathan: The Kingmaker
• [31:12] - Jonathan and David’s Covenant
• [33:16] - Security and Humility in Leadership
• [35:12] - Big Picture Thinking: Three Lessons
• [39:54] - Seeing Others Correctly
• [42:29] - Following God Courageously
• [46:51] - Jonathan’s Three Life Lessons
• [54:28] - Sharing in Others’ Success
• [58:12] - Living as Big Picture People
• [59:35] - Praying to See and Serve Others
• [61:15] - Invitation to Salvation
• [62:57] - Celebrating New Life in Christ

Bible Reading

1 Samuel 18:1-4 (ESV) — 1 As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house.
3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.
4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.

Observation Questions

1. What did Jonathan do for David after David spoke with Saul, and what did these actions symbolize? (1 Samuel 18:1-4; [32:00])
2. According to the sermon, what made Jonathan’s leadership different from King Saul’s? ([50:13])
3. What was the significance of Jonathan giving David his royal robe and weapons? ([32:00])
4. How did the sermon describe the relationship between Jonathan and David, and what word did it use to describe their agreement? ([31:37])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why did Jonathan choose to support David, even though he was the rightful heir to the throne? What does this reveal about his view of leadership? ([35:12])
2. The sermon contrasts Jonathan’s security with Saul’s insecurity. How did each man’s sense of self affect their actions and relationships? ([38:38])
3. What does Jonathan’s willingness to serve David say about his understanding of God’s bigger plan for Israel? ([35:12])
4. The sermon says, “Jonathan’s kingdom devotion trumped his desire for self-promotion.” What does this mean, and how did it play out in his life? ([41:52])

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to “do whatever it takes to reach one more” with the gospel. What is one practical way you could make room in your life or schedule to help someone encounter Jesus? ([23:52])
2. Jonathan was secure in his identity and didn’t see David as a threat. Is there someone in your life whose success makes you feel insecure or competitive? How can you choose to encourage them instead? ([39:54])
3. The message said, “If serving is beneath you, then leadership is beyond you.” Are there any tasks or roles you’ve avoided because you felt they were “beneath” you? How might God be calling you to serve in a new way? ([48:39])
4. The sermon talked about insecurity sabotaging relationships and calling. What is one insecurity you struggle with, and what would it look like to bring it to God for healing? ([52:19])
5. Jonathan invested in David’s potential and found fulfillment in seeing David succeed. Who is someone you could invest in, encourage, or mentor this month? What is one step you could take to do that? ([54:28])
6. The pastor dared us to pray, “God, help me see people through your eyes and show me how to serve them.” Are you willing to pray this prayer? What might change in your daily interactions if you did? ([59:35])
7. The sermon said, “Make it your mission to leave everyone you meet better than you found them.” What is one specific way you can do this at work, at home, or in your community this week? ([52:19])