A Servant Leader Will Lead Like Jesus — Serving Others with Compassion, Humility, Caring and Self-Sacrificial Love.
by Steve Nordholm
In today’s world, leadership is often associated with power, prestige, and personal advancement. But the Bible paints a dramatically different picture of what it means to be a true leader. At the center of Christian leadership stands Jesus Christ, who redefined greatness not as ruling over others, but as serving them. As followers of Christ, we are called to lead not by force or manipulation, but by compassion, humility, caring and self-sacrificial love.
Jesus: The Ultimate Servant Leader
Jesus Christ is the perfect model of servant leadership. In Matthew 20:26–28, Jesus told His disciples:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus didn’t just teach this; He lived it. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17), forgave sinners, and ultimately laid down His life for the world. His leadership was rooted in serving the real needs of people, not in elevating Himself.
The Heart of a Servant Leader
To be a servant leader like Jesus, your heart must be shaped by love for God and compassion for others. Philippians 2:3–5 provides a powerful foundation:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
A servant leader:
Listens first before speaking.
Seeks the well-being of others before advancing their own agenda.
Leads by example, not by entitlement.
Corrects in love, not in harshness.
Gives sacrificially, not out of obligation but with joy.
Practical Ways to Lead Like Jesus
Be Present and Available
Just like Jesus made time for the outcasts, children, and brokenhearted, servant leaders must be approachable and present. Leadership is about people, not just projects.Meet Needs Actively
Don’t wait to be asked—look for ways to serve. Whether it’s helping someone financially, offering a listening ear, or sharing Scripture and prayer, servant leaders take initiative.Model Humility
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, including Judas. In the same way, we must be willing to serve even when it’s uncomfortable, unnoticed, or undeserved.Build Others Up
Servant leadership is not about making followers—it’s about raising up other leaders. Invest in others. Encourage their gifts. Teach and disciple patiently.Lead with Integrity and Love
Servant leaders earn trust through consistency and Christlike love. As 1 Corinthians 13:1 says, leadership without love is meaningless noise.
Why Servant Leadership Matters
In a broken world filled with selfish ambition, people are desperate for leaders who genuinely care. Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The greatest testimony of your leadership isn’t how much authority you have, but how much you love and serve.
Your influence as a servant leader has eternal significance. When you lead like Jesus, you reflect the heart of the Gospel and draw others to the One who came not to be served, but to serve.
Conclusion
True leadership in the Kingdom of God is not about lording over others—it’s about kneeling to wash their feet. Jesus showed us the way, and He calls us to follow Him. Whether you’re leading a church, a family, a team, or simply serving in your community, remember: the path to greatness is paved with humility, compassion, and sacrifice.
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18
Let your leadership be a living sermon of Christ’s love—serving others, lifting the broken, and shining the light of Jesus in everything you do.
