The Power of Servant Leadership(The Kingdom Way)

 The Kingdom Way Series

“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.”
—Matthew 20:26–27 (ESV)

We live in a world obsessed with status, influence, and titles. Leadership is often measured by how many people follow you, how loud your voice is, or how much power you hold.

But Jesus flipped that script.

In the Kingdom of God, the greatest among us are not the ones on platforms, but the ones holding towels. True greatness isn’t in being served but in serving.

Welcome to servant leadership, the radical way of Christ the way of The Kingdom.

1. The World’s Way vs. The Kingdom Way

In the world, leadership often looks like control, dominance, and the pursuit of recognition. But Jesus taught His disciples a different path:

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… It shall not be so among you.”
—Matthew 20:25–26

Jesus wasn’t condemning leadership He was redefining it.

Kingdom leadership isn’t about power it’s about posture. It’s not about being at the top of the pyramid it’s about holding it up from the bottom.

In God’s Kingdom, leaders serve, not because they have to, but because they love.

2. Jesus: The Perfect Servant Leader

If anyone had the right to be served, it was Jesus. He was the King of Kings, the Word made flesh. Yet, at the height of His earthly ministry, He did something extraordinary:

“[Jesus] rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments… and began to wash the disciples’ feet.”
—John 13:4–5

This wasn’t symbolic it was deeply personal. Washing feet was the lowliest task in a household, yet the Savior stooped to do it.

Jesus didn’t just serve; He redefined leadership by modeling sacrificial love, even knowing He would be betrayed.

This is the power of servant leadership: it wins hearts, not just respect.

3. Servant Leadership Is Kingdom Power in Action

In the Kingdom of God, power flows through love, not through force. Servant leadership is not weakness it’s strength under submission. It requires a deeper courage, one that says:

“I will lead by lowering myself. I will serve those I’m called to influence. I will be faithful, even if I’m never applauded.”

This kind of leadership shifts atmospheres. It transforms workplaces, families, churches, and communities.

It’s not about being noticed it’s about making a difference.

4. Five Characteristics of a Servant Leader

1. Humility

They know their position, but they don’t cling to it. Like Christ, they choose to go low even when they could stand tall.

“Have this mind among yourselves… who, though He was in the form of God… emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.”
—Philippians 2:5–7

2. Empathy

They don’t lead from a distance they enter into the lives of those they lead, just like Jesus did.

3. Accountability

They lead by example. They don’t ask others to go where they themselves won’t go.

4. Generosity

They give more than they take of their time, attention, and energy because people are the mission.

5. Vision Anchored in Eternity

Their leadership isn’t for personal legacy, but eternal impact. Their goal? To hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

5. The Cost and Reward of Servant Leadership

Servant leadership isn’t glamorous. You may not always be celebrated or even noticed. People may misunderstand your quiet strength for weakness.

But your Father in Heaven sees every act of service.

“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people.”
—Hebrews 6:10

And He promises to exalt the humble, in His time.

When you serve others with no agenda, you reflect the heart of the King. And there is nothing more powerful than a life lived like Christ.

6. Where Is God Calling You to Lead Through Service?

You don’t have to have a title to lead. You don’t need a platform or a stage.
You just need a willing heart and a towel in your hand.

• Are you a parent? Serve your children with patience and prayer.

• A ministry leader? Empower your team, don’t control them.

• A business owner? Create a culture where people feel valued, not used.

• A student? Use your voice to lift others instead of seeking applause.

Servant leadership starts where you are. And it grows every time you choose people over pride.

Final Thoughts: Lead Like Jesus

If you want to make a Kingdom impact, don’t aim to be impressive aim to be surrendered.

The greatest leader the world has ever known chose a cross over a crown, a basin over a throne. And He invites us to follow in His footsteps.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…”
—Mark 10:45

So let the world chase titles.
We’ll chase towels.
Let the world seek followers.
We’ll seek to follow Jesus by serving like He did.

That’s the Kingdom Way.