What Does the Bible Say About Serving Others?
What Does the Bible Say About Serving Others? Jesus taught that greatness in God's kingdom comes through humble service—He modeled this by washing His disciples' feet and giving His life for others.
Key verse: Matthew 20:26-27 (KJV)
Jesus taught that greatness in God's kingdom comes through humble service—He modeled this by washing His disciples' feet and giving His life for others.
Jesus taught that greatness in God's kingdom comes through humble service—He modeled this by washing His disciples' feet and giving His life for others.
"But whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." — Matthew 20:26-27 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Service is central to the Christian life. Jesus revolutionized the concept of leadership by declaring, 'Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant' (Matthew 20:26-27). He demonstrated this by washing His disciples' feet, an act of extreme humility (John 13:14-15). Paul taught that believers should 'by love serve one another' (Galatians 5:13) and that the church functions as a body where each member serves the whole (1 Corinthians 12). Jesus even identified service to others as service to Himself: 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me' (Matthew 25:40).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?
What the Bible teaches about forgiving others, receiving God's forgiveness, and letting go of bitterness.
Key Scripture References
"But whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant."
"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Humility?
The Bible teaches that humility—recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves—is essential to the Christian life.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Serving Others?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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