The Timeless Lesson of Good Friday: Leadership in a World of Betrayal
On Good Friday, Christians around the world commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, an event marking the public execution of an innocent man over two millennia ago. This solemn occasion is not merely a historical remembrance but a powerful mirror reflecting the ongoing struggles in our land and across the globe. The narrative of Jesus' suffering and death, rejected by his own nation's leaders and handed over to an occupying army, serves as a poignant replay and commentary on contemporary events, where innocence is often sacrificed at the altar of power.
The Echo of Pilate in Modern Leadership
Today, we witness a disturbing parallel: the innocent fall victim under the watch of leaders who, like Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, wash their hands in pretentious neutrality and presumed helplessness. In Nigeria and beyond, political actors campaign on platforms of change and justice, swearing oaths to protect the powerless upon assuming office. Yet, their fidelity to these promises is frequently in the breach, marked by transactional and shifting commitments that prioritize personal gain over public good.
In Nigeria, political parties often serve as mere vehicles for conveying politicians to public office, driven by lust for power and the trappings of authority. This reality is evident in the rapid shifts of party affiliations as each campaign season approaches, undermining any semblance of stable manifestos aimed at creating a nation where every citizen can flourish. Consequently, political parties cannot be said to stand for the people; they exist primarily to install politicians in positions of influence, perpetuating a cycle of disillusionment and suffering.
Global Implications and Human Suffering
On the international scene, the world is held captive by the unwise belligerence of a few leaders whose rhetoric and conduct have far-reaching consequences. Insatiable appetites for precious commodities fuel wars waged by politicians with hegemonic temperaments, embodying the despicable philosophy that might makes right. These leaders violate fundamental human rights within their own countries and treat international law with disdain, leading to a global crucifixion of humanity with numerous victims.
The victims are manifold:
- Patients in hospitals struck by bombs
- Schoolchildren abducted by terrorists or killed by missiles while in class
- Farmers who find it unsafe to tend their lands due to conflicts with herders
- Civilians traumatized, maimed, or killed because of leaders' abject lack of sagacity
This widespread suffering underscores a critical failure in leadership, where power is exercised without wisdom or compassion, leaving the powerless to bear the brunt of ambiguity and violence.
The Counteraction of Selfishness Through Fidelity
It could be argued that fidelity is not lacking in our world; indeed, many are faithful to the pursuit of their selfish interests. However, this fidelity to selfishness is precisely what Jesus counteracted on the cross. Through his life and death, Jesus taught by word and example that true leadership requires standing for noble convictions with constancy. His mission of love unto death offers a profound lesson: fidelity to a noble mission rooted in right thinking and right action.
This challenges the contemporary culture of self-deification and self-adoration, a religion that teaches power, profit, and pleasure must be attained by dominating others. The lesson of Good Friday is clear: the cult of self-worship destroys our world, while the practice of true love—habitually willing goodness to others—liberates it. When self-love escalates to treating persons, communities, and nations with contempt, innocent victims are sacrificed on the altar of egotistic power addiction.
A Path to Healing and Liberation
Our land and our world can be healed and liberated only when the lesson of Good Friday is put into practice. This involves embracing fidelity to justice, constancy in noble convictions, and a commitment to love that transcends selfish desires. By learning from Jesus' example, leaders in Nigeria and globally can move beyond Pilate-like indifference to foster societies where the innocent are protected, and the powerless can thrive.
In conclusion, Good Friday serves as a timeless reminder that leadership is not about power for its own sake but about service and sacrifice. As we reflect on this sacred day, let us strive to embody the lessons of fidelity and love, working towards a world where justice prevails and all can flourish.
