Jesus called all the followers together. He said, “The non-Jewish people have men they call rulers. You know that those rulers love to show their power over the people. And their important leaders love to use all their authority over the people. But it should not be that way with you. Whoever wants to be your leader must be your servant.”

The kingdom of God is often called an “upside-down kingdom.” It is because Jesus took the ideas of earthly kingdoms and flipped them upside-down. He said things like, “The last shall be first and the first shall be last,” (Matthew 20:16). He also said that if you want to be great, you must be a servant (Matthew 20:26). In today’s verses, Jesus said that leaders shouldn’t lord their position over others; instead, they should use their position to serve others.

Jesus had to correct His followers from time to time, because they just didn’t understand the upside-down nature of His kingdom. The disciples argued over who was the greatest among them. They argued over who would get to sit in positions of honor in the kingdom of God. They wanted position and status. Jesus talked of taking up a cross. They wanted glory and honor. Jesus told them to desire servanthood.

If you are a follower of Jesus and a leader of people, you are called to the same servant status. Philippians 2 says that Jesus did not cling to His place of honor nor His equality with the Father.

Instead, Jesus came to earth and lived a life of humble service. The Apostle Paul says that our attitude should be the same as that of Jesus. Let us lay down our claims to power and position and strive to serve others. When we do, we’ll model the servant leadership of Jesus and bring honor and people to Him.

By Shawn Cornett, Bible League International staff, Indiana, U.S.