In Leadership

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (ESV)

Leadership in the Kingdom of God is not about self-exaltation or wielding authority. It is about the deep, Christ-centered joy of serving others for the glory of God. The purpose of true leadership is not self-promotion but self-denial. If we lose sight of why God has called us to lead—if we forget that He raises us up to magnify His greatness and not our own—we end up like the disciples, disputing over who is the greatest, consumed with pride and blinded by a desire for status (Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45).

Jesus redefined greatness in a way that turns the world’s values upside down. He took a child—a symbol of weakness and dependency—and placed him in the midst of the disciples. In that act, Jesus taught that true leadership means serving the most vulnerable, loving the least of these, and welcoming those who can give us nothing in return (Mark 9:36-37). To “welcome” in Jewish culture meant to extend hospitality, to treat someone with honor and care. But Jesus went further. He declared that whoever wants to be first must become a servant, a slave of all. That kind of servant-heartedness is shocking and radical, especially in a culture where power and recognition are sought above all else.

The disciples thought that following Jesus would lead to prestige and honor. But Jesus shattered that illusion. He called them to lead not by lording over others but by humbly serving. The greatest in God’s Kingdom is the one who lays aside the desire for personal glory and embraces the heart of a servant. Jesus set a new standard of greatness: a heart that delights in caring for others, not in being admired or praised.

The world measures greatness by strength and influence, but Jesus displayed greatness through humility and sacrifice. Philippians 2:1-11 captures this breathtaking truth: the eternal Son of God, possessing all authority, chose the path of a servant. He humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. The King of the universe stooped low, taking on the form of a servant, and in that humiliation, God’s glory was revealed. Jesus’ crucifixion was not a defeat but the supreme display of His strength and authority, the triumph of His mercy and love. He turned the world’s understanding of power upside down.

Jesus, our Teacher and King, did not hesitate to wash His disciples’ feet. In the upper room, with the shadow of the cross looming large, He demonstrated the full extent of His love. Knowing He was about to endure the agony of betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus thought not of Himself but of His disciples. He knelt, took the role of the lowest servant, and washed their feet. This act was more than an example; it was a revelation. The One who had the right to demand service and worship chose instead to serve. Then He commanded His disciples—and us—to do the same (John 13:14).

Consider the humility of John the Baptist. When his disciples complained that people were leaving him to follow Jesus, John rejoiced. He knew his role. He was not the Christ but the forerunner. His heart exulted in Jesus’ increase, even if it meant his own decrease (John 3:26-31). He understood that all glory belongs to Christ, who is above all. Any attempt to steal God’s glory is an affront to His majesty, and it ultimately leads to our downfall. Remember this: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

Pride divides and seeks personal elevation, but humility unites and draws us closer to God and each other. The true mark of leadership is not a desire to be seen or recognized but a longing to point others to the greatness of Christ. Let us, then, take the posture of servants, remembering that our leadership and service are meant to magnify God’s name, not ours.

Let’s take inspiration from the examples of John the Baptist and our Lord Jesus, always keeping in mind that our mission as leaders is to serve with humility and selflessness, giving all the glory to God. Whether we are at home, at work, in church, or within our communities, we urgently need God’s wisdom and a humble spirit to put others first and lead as genuine servants.

“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)

“Lord Jesus, thank You for displaying true greatness through Your humble service and ultimate sacrifice. Help me to serve with Your love, to lead in a way that points people to You and not to myself. Increase in my life as I decrease. Expose any pride in my heart and root it out completely. Fill me with Your Spirit of gentleness, and rid me of:

- The desire to be admired

- The desire to be praised

- The desire to be respected

- The desire to be preferred

- The desire to be consulted

- The desire for approval

- The desire for popularity

- The fear of being humiliated

- The fear of being despised

- The fear of being criticized

- The fear of being slandered

- The fear of being forgotten

- The fear of suffering loss

- The fear of ridicule

- The fear of being doubted. Amen.”