What Does the Bible Say About Servant Leadership — Meaning Explained

The world's model of leadership is top-down authority. Jesus turned it upside down. When the disciples argued about who was greatest, Jesus said, 'whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many' (Matthew 20:26-28). At the Last Supper, He wrapped a towel around His waist and washed their feet — the task of the lowest servant — then said, 'I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done' (John 13:15). Paul described Timothy as one who 'serveth with me in the gospel' (Philippians 2:22). Peter told church elders to shepherd 'not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock' (1 Peter 5:2-3). Biblical leadership measures greatness not by how many serve you but by how many you serve.