Source sequence 65 of 85

Be Servants

Humility, Service, Authority and government

Scripture

Primary passage

Matthew 20:25–28

25 But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 27 Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Primary passage · World English Bible

Luke

Luke 22:24–27

24 A dispute also arose among them, which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so with you. Rather, the one who is greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. 27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

The command

Hear what Jesus commands.

Reject domineering leadership and become a servant, following the Son of Man who gives Himself for others.

In context

Hear the whole passage.

Amid ambition and arguments about greatness, Jesus contrasts worldly authority with His own presence as one who serves.

What this reveals

What this reveals about God.

Jesus forms leaders whose authority is expressed through sacrificial service rather than control, image, or privilege.

Practice this command

Take one concrete step.

Use one area of authority to remove a burden, share credit, listen to someone with less power, or perform a task others are expected to do for you.

Discuss

Talk about it.

How can service remain genuine rather than becoming another strategy for gaining influence or praise?

Pray

Pray this.

Servant King, overturn our ambition. Make our authority protective, generous, and patterned after your self-giving love.

Teach

Teach it simply.

Jesus does not erase leadership; He transforms its purpose and practice around service and His ransom-giving mission.

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