The Crown and the Cross.
Martin Botha | Calling Academy Kroonstad, ACSI Partner School
What A Tale of Three Kings Teaches Us About Leadership, Wounds, and Wisdom
“To whom much is given, much will be required.” — Luke 12:48
Leadership is beautiful — but it can also break your heart. Whether you’re a school principal, a teacher, a student leader, or a pastor, you’ll encounter moments where leadership wounds, divides, or disillusions. Gene Edwards’ classic, A Tale of Three Kings, speaks into that pain. Originally written to bring healing to those hurt by spiritual authority, this short but profound book uses the biblical lives of Saul, David, and Absalom to explore what true leadership looks like in the face of jealousy, betrayal, and rebellion.
Let’s walk with these three kings – and reflect on what they reveal about how we lead and follow today.
Saul: The Insecure Leader Who Threw Spears Saul was Israel’s first king.
Handsome, tall, and chosen by God. But beneath his crown was a deeply insecure man who couldn’t celebrate the success of others. When David – his loyal servant – gained public admiration, Saul’s jealousy turned deadly.
“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” (1 Samuel 18:7)
“And Saul eyed David from that day on.” (1 Samuel 18:9)
He threw spears – literally. But David never threw them back.
Saul represents every leader who feels threatened by rising talent, who micromanages out of fear, and who uses authority to protect ego instead of empowering others. We’ve all known a Saul. If we’re honest, we’ve all been Saul at times.
Leadership lesson: If your identity is tied to your position, every gifted person will feel like a threat. But if your identity is grounded in God, you can lead without fear.
7 Signs You’re Leading Like Saul
- You feel threatened by talented colleagues.
- You avoid giving credit to others.
- You use your position to protect your image.
- You view questioning as rebellion.
- You take disagreement personally.
- You micromanage out of fear.
- You isolate or undermine potential leaders.
David: The Broken Leader Who Refused Revenge
David had every reason to retaliate. Saul tried to kill him – multiple times. Yet when David had the chance to kill Saul in a cave, he whispered to his men, “I will not stretch out my hand against him, for he is the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:10).
David shows us what it means to be a leader after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). He chose brokenness over bitterness. He knew the throne wasn’t something to grab – it was something to receive in God’s timing.
In our schools, churches, and communities, we need Davids. Leaders who are strong enough to forgive. Who trust God enough to wait. Who understand that being wronged doesn’t permit us to wrong others.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17, 21)
Leadership lesson: True authority comes through surrender, not striving. God often prepares us for the crown by testing us with the cross.
Absalom: The Charmer Who Stole the Kingdom
Absalom was David’s son, but he didn’t inherit David’s character. He stood at the city gates, whispering discontent and offering people what they wanted to hear (2 Samuel 15:1–6). Eventually, he led a rebellion and tried to seize the throne.
Absalom represents the leader who builds influence through division. The one who criticises in whispers and gains followers through manipulation. He looks noble but is driven by pride and entitlement.
In student councils, staff rooms, and organisations, this spirit still operates: passive-aggressive comments, rumours cloaked as “concerns”, and people who build their platform by tearing down others. “By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive.” (Romans 16:18)
Leadership lesson: Not every rising leader is righteous. Watch for fruit, not just charisma. Influence without character is dangerous.
How to Heal After Leadership Hurt
- Name the pain – but don’t let it define you.
- Choose forgiveness over vengeance.
- Seek trusted mentors and spiritual counsel.
- Reflect on what God may be forming in you.
- Avoid forming a “rebel alliance” – choose healing over retaliation.
What This Means for Us – In Schools and Beyond
In education, leadership isn’t just for the top. Teachers lead classrooms. Students lead peers. School heads lead culture. And each of us faces the same question: Will I lead like Saul, David, or Absalom?
- Teachers: Will you empower others, or compete with them?
- Principals: Can you mentor emerging leaders without jealousy?
- Students: Are you building unity, or whispering rebellion?
- All of us: Will we respond to offence with grace or revenge?
Leadership is less about titles and more about tests. God shapes leaders through adversity, not applause. The classroom, the staffroom, and the boardroom are all training grounds for godly character.
The Crown or the Cross?
We all want the crown. But few want the cross. David teaches us that real authority comes not from grabbing power, but from surrendering to God. His journey was not about climbing higher – it was about going deeper.
If you’ve been hurt by leadership, A Tale of Three Kings reminds you: don’t throw the spear back. If you’re in leadership, it challenges you: lay down your pride and pick up your cross.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
In the end, leadership isn’t about who rules – but about who reflects the heart of God.
Discussion Questions for Teams or Leaders:
- Which “king” do I most identify with?
- How do we handle criticism or betrayal in our roles?
- Are we training up Davids – or giving in to Absaloms?
- How do we create a leadership culture of humility, grace, and growth?
