“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45, NIV)

Servanthood is at the heart of leadership in God’s kingdom. Jesus, the ultimate leader, embodied this truth. Though He held all authority, He chose to serve rather than demand service. His life and death illustrated that leadership is not about status but sacrifice.

It was difficult for the disciples to grasp the principle. The request of James and John for power (Mark 10:35-45) mirrored the natural craving in humanity for attention and recognition. Jesus however, in a gentle manner, yet firmly, corrected their perspective. True greatness is in service, not superiority. It was with humility that Christ healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ultimately gave His life for sinners. His approach was not mere charity; it was transformative leadership.

Think of leaders in your life who left an indelible impact. Chances are, their influence came not from authority but from selfless service. True leadership commits to lifting others, empowering their grow, and pointing them to God. An unknown writer expressed this idea well. They stated: “The measure of a man’s greatness is not the number of servants he has. It is the number of people he serves.”

Servant leadership finds joy in uplifting others, not in seeking rewards. This true leadership echoes Christ’s call to prioritize the needs of others above personal needs. When we lead through service, we showcase the values of God’s kingdom. We do this in a world desperate for hope.

Challenge, Prayer, and Further Reading:
Pray for a leader’s heart—one that seeks to serve rather than dominate. Find a way to lead others by example. You can mentor someone, help a neighbour, or offer a listening ear. Look further into Luke 22:26–27 and John 13:3-5 for deeper insights about Christ’s servant leadership model. Meditate also on Galatians 5:13, which calls us to humbly serve one another in love.

Authentic leadership transforms because it flows from a heart anchored in Christ’s humility.

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