How Are We to Be Servant Leaders?
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In Mark 10:35-45, the author is telling us what Jesus teaches about serving others. Mark records that John and James went to Jesus with an appeal – they wanted to sit on Jesus’ right- and left-hand sides in heaven. However:
“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).
This concurs with the story in Matthew 20:20-28. In Matthew, their mother likewise made the petition. Note that there is no logical inconsistency in these records; the mother and her sons made this petition for respected positions in Christ’s Kingdom together.
But what does this teach about servant leadership?
The Messiah’s Kingdom
Vs. 35-37
The apostles, like most Jews of that day, had an incorrect view of what the Messiah's Kingdom would look like, as anticipated by the Old Testament prophets. They believed that Jesus would set up a natural realm that would liberate Israel from Rome's persecution, and James and John wanted highly regarded places in that kingdom.
However, Jesus' Kingdom is not of this world; it is not fixed in royal residences or on high pedestals, yet in the hearts and lives of his supporters. The disciples did not comprehend this until sometime after Jesus' restoration.
Ask God Anything
Vs. 38-40
James and John said that they were able to confront any trial or tribulation for Christ. And both would indeed suffer: James suffered martyrdom (Acts 12:2), and John was banished, forced to live someplace far off (Revelation 1:9). It is not difficult to say that we will suffer anything for the sake of Christ, but a large portion of us grumble when we face even the most minor disturbances. Assuming that we will endure suffering largely for Christ, we should likewise expect to deal with the small disturbances that come from serving others.
Jesus did not criticize James and John for asking, however he denied their petition. We can go ahead and ask God for anything, yet our prayer might be denied. God wants to give us what is best for us, not just what we want. He denies a few supplications for our benefit.
Significance through Service
Vs. 41-45
James and John wanted the most noteworthy positions in Jesus' Kingdom. However, Jesus let them know that significance comes from serving others. The disciple Peter heard this message, and he expounded on it in 1 Peter 5:1-4.
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
Most organizations, associations, and establishments measure significance by personal accomplishments and achievements. But in Christ's Kingdom, serving others is the way to excel. If we are longing to be on top, that will ruin us, not help us. Rather than trying to build ourselves up, we should search for ways to serve the needs of others (Luke 22:25-26).
A ransom was the value paid to deliver a slave. Jesus paid the ransom for us since we were unable to pay it ourselves. His death set us all free from the bondage to sin. The disciples believed that Jesus' power and his life would save them from Rome; Jesus said that his death would save them from their sins, which was a considerably more prominent subjugation than Rome's (1 Peter 1:18-19).
So, What Does This Mean?
Jesus portrayed leadership according to another viewpoint, because the leadership system of the world is altogether different from the Kingdom's. Jesus' central goal was to serve others and to give up his own life. Worldly leaders are regularly egotistical and presumptuous as they grapple their way to the top. Yet, among Christians, a good leader must be the person who serves best. Rather than utilizing individuals, we are to serve them.
There are various styles of leadership. Some lead through speaking publicly, some through directing, and some through connections. However, all Christian leaders need a servant’s heart. A decent Christian leader respects and appreciates other peoples' worth and understands that he is not above them or doing any menial work. When we see something that should be done, we ought not stand by and wait for someone to ask us to do it. We can step up to the plate and do it like a good and faithful servant. We can likewise ask people we know how we can better serve them.
Servant Leadership Requires Compassion
A servant leader must have the desire to take care of those who follow him. There is a story in Mark 1:29-34 where Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, and then he heals many other people. (This story is also found in Matthew 8:14-17; Luke 4:38-41). We notice that Jesus “came and took her by the hand and lifted her up.” Jesus could have told the disciples to help her up, but this was personal for him, he went to her himself. We also notice that after Jesus healed her, “she ministered unto them.”
Servant Leadership Requires Discipline
Solitude was important for the Lord (Matthew 14:23). He made room in his clamoring day to be isolated from every other person and be with the Father. Putting energy with God in prayer and petition upholds a basic relationship and sets us up to address life's hardships and struggles.
We need to cultivate a habit of focused time alone with God. It will help us grow in a profound way and become progressively more like Christ. Jesus even started early in the morning (Mark 1:35), and sometimes that is the best time of day because of the quietness.
Servant Leadership Requires Faithfulness
Jesus tells the parable of the growing seed in Mark 4:26-29. This parable about the Kingdom of God uncovers that spiritual development (growth) is a constant, slow cycle, finished with the long-awaited harvest of spiritual growth.
We can understand the course of spiritual development by comparing it to the slow process of a growing plant. We may not see how the plans that God makes work, however, we do realize that God is dependable. We can realize that as we faithfully lead others, God will favor our efforts. We may not generally win as the world accepts how winning ought to be, yet as we plant the seed of goodness, the harvest will come. Servant leaders are called to be unwavering and to be faithful (John 4:35; Matthew 9:37-38).
So, what kind of servant leader are you? Are you faithful to Christ? Are you disciplined for Christ? Are you compassionate about Christ? Do people see Christ in all that you do?
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