Word In Life Study Bible
SERVANT-LEADERS
Matt.20:25-28
Responding to a controversy among the disciples (Matt. 20:25–28),
Jesus revealed a unique style of authority—servant-leadership. What does it mean to be a “slave” in order to become great (20:27)? What does it mean to define leadership in terms of servanthood? Jesus suggested that both involve seeking the highest good for others—good as evaluated from God’s perspective.
In light of Jesus’ own example—particularly in giving up His own life as a “ransom for many” (20:28)—we can observe that servant leadership means:
• seeing ourselves as called by God to serve/lead others.
• knowing intimately the people we serve/lead.
• caring deeply about the people we serve/lead.
• being willing to sacrifice our own convenience to meet the needs of the people we serve/lead.
The Old Testament figure Nehemiah was a good example of the servant-leadership that Jesus called for. See “Leadership Principles from Nehemiah, Part 4” at Neh. 6:5–9.
Jesus used a powerful image when He compared true leadership to slavery. See “Slaves” at Rom. 6:16.
Study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible, copyright 1993,1996, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The study notes from the Word In Life Study Bible appearing at this web site are for personal use only.
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