There is some benefit in studying followers, but they can only teach you how to follow well. Jesus did not ask his disciples to set the course for His ministry, nor did he poll the crowds that clamoured to be near him to learn what they wanted, for they were all followers. Christ did not attend business schools, take leadership seminars, or come from a family with a long line of well-known leaders. He did, however, have access to the greatest of all leaders, His heavenly Father, who showed Him how to lead.
Christ was able to command the attention of thousands of people at a time because He was a leader they wanted to follow. He confounded the religious leaders of the day because he led so completely differently than they had ever experienced before. He had studied under the undisputed leader of leaders. Comparing ourselves to other leaders may make us look good, but comparing ourselves to Christ challenges us to take our leadership to another level. Even as leaders, we are to be Christ’s followers. He deliberately left us an example that was for our benefit. Today His Spirit resides within believers to guide them daily. Following Him will influence all of our relationships: family, work, leisure, wherever we are and in whatever position we hold. If we are unwilling to study the life of Christ and the way He walked while He was among people, we will be disoriented to Him when He seeks to lead us today. Christ is your Lord and He is prepared to help you lead today.