Servant Leadership – Bible Study

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

In a world that often equates leadership with status, power, and control, Jesus introduces a radically different model: servant leadership. This study explores what it means to lead like Christ by humbling ourselves, lifting others up, and embracing a posture of service over dominance.

From Jesus’ teachings to His personal example, from Paul’s ministry to practical steps we can take today, Scripture reveals that the path to true greatness in God’s Kingdom runs through humility, sacrifice, and service. Whether you lead in a formal role or in the quiet spaces of daily life, this study invites you to follow Christ’s example and lead with a servant’s heart.

INTRODUCTION TO SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Mark 9:35
“And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, ‘If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.'”

Luke 22:25-26
“And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.’”

How does Jesus’ definition of greatness challenge today’s leadership values?

Why do you think servant leadership is so central in the Kingdom of God?

Is there a situation in your life where you’re trying to lead by status instead of by example?

JESUS AND SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Matthew 20:26-28
“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 your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

John 13:12-17
“When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, ‘Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.’”

What stands out to you about how Jesus modelled servant leadership?

What does it mean for you to “wash others’ feet” in your current context?

How can you make serving others part of your daily rhythm?

JESUS: SERVANT LEADERSHIP  IN ACTION

Philippians 2:1-11
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

What parts of this passage do you find most convicting or inspiring?

How does Jesus’ example reshape your understanding of authority?

Where is God inviting you to “empty yourself” and serve?

PAUL AND SERVANT LEADERSHIP

1 Corinthians 9:19-23
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings”.

2 Corinthians 4:5
“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”

In what ways did Paul adapt to meet people where they were?

How do these verses model flexibility and selflessness in leadership?

What might it look like for you to “become all things to all people” in your current situation?

STEPS TO BECOMING A SERVANT LEADER

Embrace Humility

James 4:6
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”

Serve Without Expecting Recognition

Matthew 6:3-4
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Lead by Example

1 Peter 5:3
“not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”

Focus on Others’ Needs

Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Which of these steps comes most naturally to you? Which is most challenging?

How can you serve others in ways that go unnoticed but reflect Christ?

Who around you might need you to carry a burden alongside them this week?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.