“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.”
Mark 10:43–44 (ESV)
Reflection
James and John wanted seats of honor. They asked Jesus for places at his right and left hand, and the other disciples were indignant, likely because they wanted the same thing. Jesus did not simply scold their ambition. He redirected it. Greatness in his kingdom is real, but it runs in the opposite direction from the world’s version.
In most organizations, power tends to flow upward and service tends to flow downward. Jesus turns that around. The leader becomes the one who serves, who absorbs cost so others can flourish, and who measures success by the health of the people entrusted to his or her care.
This does not mean leaders stop leading. Servant leaders still make hard decisions, set direction and hold people accountable. But they do so for the good of others, not for their own security or status. The question shifts from “How does this affect me?” to “How does this serve the people and mission in my care?”
For your leadership this week
- Ask a team member, “What is one thing I could do to make your work easier this month?” and act on the answer.
- Review your calendar: how much of your time serves others’ growth, and how much protects your own position?
- Do one unseen act of service this week that no one will credit to you.
Pivot question
Where is your leadership currently oriented toward being served rather than serving?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you came not to be served but to serve. Shape my ambition into a desire to serve others well, and let my leadership reflect your humility. Amen.
Take the free Leader Stewardship Assessment →
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.