Servant Leadership

By: Dr. Joseph Yang

Bible Passage: Mark 10: 45 ESV

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Summary:

The concept of leadership is often associated with power, authority, and control. In the world, leaders are typically seen as those who are at the top, issuing commands and being served by others. However, in the Bible, Jesus presents an entirely different model of leadership: servant leadership.

In Mark 10:35-45, two of Jesus’ disciples, James and John, asked for positions of honor in His kingdom, demonstrating their misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. They envisioned a kingdom where leaders were exalted and powerful. Jesus responded by flipping this notion upside down, teaching that the greatest among them must be a servant. He pointed to Himself as the ultimate example, saying that He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life for others.

Jesus’ leadership was defined by humility, service, and sacrifice. Rather than seeking power, He chose to serve the weak, heal the sick, and ultimately give His life for humanity. His model challenges us to rethink our approach to leadership. In Christ’s eyes, greatness comes not from lording authority over others but from serving them with love and compassion.

Reflection:

What is Servant Leadership?
Servant leadership is not about using authority for personal gain or demanding obedience from others. Instead, it is about using influence to lift others up and meet their needs. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17), a task reserved for the lowliest of servants, to demonstrate His heart for service. Through this act, He showed that leadership is about humility and putting others before ourselves.

The Heart of a Servant Leader:
A servant leader places the needs of others above their own. They are compassionate, empathetic, and willing to make sacrifices. Jesus exemplified this by His willingness to die on the cross for our sins. This heart of servanthood doesn’t mean weakness, but strength under control — strength that is used to bless and empower others. True leadership is displayed when we prioritize serving others, rather than seeking recognition for ourselves.

The Impact of Servant Leadership:
When we lead with a servant’s heart, we become vessels of God’s love and grace. We create environments where people feel valued, encouraged, and uplifted. Our service can inspire others to follow Christ and also to serve others in turn. As we reflect on our own leadership, whether at work, in ministry, or within our families, we should ask ourselves: “Am I serving others as Christ did?”

How Can We Practice Servant Leadership Today?

• Listen to others. A key characteristic of servant leadership is active listening. Take time to understand the needs, concerns, and aspirations of those you are leading.
• Be willing to serve in small ways. Don’t wait for grand opportunities to serve. Follow Jesus’ example by meeting everyday needs, whether it’s offering a helping hand or a kind word.
• Lead by example. People are more likely to follow a leader who practices what they preach. Let your actions of love and service speak louder than words.
• Pray for humility. Servant leadership requires humility, and this is something we must continually seek from God. Ask Him to give you a heart like Jesus, willing to serve without seeking recognition.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts open to the example of servant leadership shown by Your Son, Jesus. We thank You for His humility, His love, and His willingness to serve even to the point of giving His life for us. Lord, teach us to lead in the same way. Help us to put others before ourselves, to serve with joy, and to love without expecting anything in return.

We ask that You mold our hearts to be more like Jesus, making us leaders who reflect Your grace and compassion. Give us the strength to serve even when it’s difficult, and the wisdom to guide others toward You. May our lives be a living testimony of Your servant’s heart. In every situation, let us remember that true greatness is found in serving others.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.