Using servant leadership daily?
How can we apply the servant leadership model in our daily interactions?

Setting the Scene

Luke 22 finds the disciples arguing over greatness at the Last Supper. Jesus answers with a picture that turns every worldly leadership chart upside-down.


Key Verse

“ But Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors.’ ” (Luke 22:25)


Jesus Reframes Greatness

• Earth’s kingdoms: power flows downward, titles prop up egos, people serve the leader.

• Christ’s kingdom: power flows outward, titles are irrelevant, leaders serve the people.

• Because Scripture is both accurate and literal, we can take Jesus’ contrast exactly as He gave it—no hidden loopholes.


Core Principles of Servant Leadership

1. Authority expressed through service

• “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Mark 10:43)

2. Humility over status

• Jesus “poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet.” (John 13:5)

3. Self-sacrifice instead of self-promotion

• “He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8)


Practical Ways to Lead Like a Servant Today

Home

• Trade snap commands for helpful questions: “How can I make your day easier?”

• Take the job no one volunteers for—dishes, diapers, trash—before being asked.

Workplace

• Use influence to highlight a coworker’s contribution rather than your own.

• Offer to mentor without strings attached or expectation of credit.

Church

• Greet newcomers personally; learn names and stories rather than waiting to be noticed.

• Volunteer in unseen roles (setup, cleanup, tech) where gratitude is rare.

Community

• Thank public servants—cashiers, custodians, delivery drivers—by name.

• Donate skills, not just money: tutoring, carpentry, car repair for those who cannot pay.


Guardrails and Heart Checks

• Motive audit: “Am I serving so others admire me, or so Christ is magnified?” (cf. Matthew 6:1)

• Speech filter: replace “my team, my project” with “our team, our project.”

• Time ledger: schedule acts of service first, then personal leisure.


Promises Attached to Servant Leadership

• “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10)

• “If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17)

Jesus’ model is simple enough for daily practice, radical enough to transform every relationship, and guaranteed by the unfailing truth of Scripture.

How does Luke 22:25 connect with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 20:26-28?
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