Servant Leadership

Mark 10:42-45 NLT - 42 So Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."

1.    Biblical Leadership vs Worldly Leadership

• Jesus wasn’t saying leadership is wrong; He was redefining it.

• The Kingdom measures greatness by service, not status.

Matthew 25:37-40 NLT - 37 "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40 "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

Worldly Leadership demands respect while Biblical Leadership earns respect.

1Timothy 4:12 ESV - 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Worldly Leadership uses power while Biblical Leadership uses influence.

• You can force compliance, but you cannot force transformation.

Matthew 4:18-20 ESV - 18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Matthew 16:24 NLT - 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.

Worldly Leadership protects self while Biblical Leadership sacrifices self.

Luke 9:24-25 ESV - 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?

Worldly Leadership craves recognition while Biblical Leadership desires faithfulness.

1Thessalonians 5:23-24 NLT - 23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

1Peter 5:2-4 NLT - 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly--not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.