“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11
Bible Verses About Being A Servant Leader
Matthew 20:26 – Being a leader means serving others.
“But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” – Matthew 20:26
Mark 10:43-44 – True greatness is found in serving.
“But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” – Mark 10:43-44
Luke 22:26 – Leaders are to serve like Jesus.
“But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” – Luke 22:26
John 13:12-15 – Jesus demonstrated servant leadership.
“So after He had washed their feet, and had taken His garments, and was set down again, He said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?” – John 13:12-15
Philippians 2:4 – Look to the interests of others.
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” – Philippians 2:4
Galatians 5:13 – Use your freedom to serve one another.
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
1 Peter 5:2-3 – Shepherd the flock willingly.
“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.” – 1 Peter 5:2-3
Colossians 3:23-24 – Work heartily as for the Lord.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” – Colossians 3:23-24
James 1:27 – Care for the marginalized.
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” – James 1:27
Acts 20:35 – It is more blessed to give than to receive.
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35
Mark 9:35 – The last will be first.
“And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” – Mark 9:35
Proverbs 11:25 – A generous soul will be made rich.
“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” – Proverbs 11:25
Matthew 25:40 – Serving others is serving Christ.
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” – Matthew 25:40
Romans 12:10 – Be devoted to one another in love.
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” – Romans 12:10
1 Timothy 3:1-2 – Desiring a noble task.
“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;” – 1 Timothy 3:1-2
Matthew 7:12 – The Golden Rule.
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
John 15:12 – Love one another as I have loved you.
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron.
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” – Proverbs 27:17
Exodus 23:25 – Serve the Lord and He will bless you.
“And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and He shall bless thy bread and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.” – Exodus 23:25
Luke 14:11 – Humble yourself.
“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
Romans 13:10 – Love does no harm to a neighbor.
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine through good works.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Ephesians 6:7 – Serve wholeheartedly.
“With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:” – Ephesians 6:7
1 Corinthians 12:7 – Each one is given a manifestation of the Spirit to benefit all.
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” – 1 Corinthians 12:7
Acts 6:1-2 – The apostles served the Word.
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” – Acts 6:1-2
Hebrews 6:10 – God is not unjust to forget your work.
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” – Hebrews 6:10
1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Comfort the faint-hearted.
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Proverbs 3:27 – Do not withhold good.
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” – Proverbs 3:27
2 Corinthians 9:7 – God loves a cheerful giver.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
John 10:11 – The good shepherd lays down his life.
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11
Psalms 100:2 – Serve with gladness.
“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.” – Psalms 100:2
Final Thoughts
Being a servant leader means stepping out of comfort and embracing a role of service, following the example our Savior set for us. It’s about lifting others up, showing love, and nurturing hope. When we serve with a genuine heart, we can inspire those around us to do the same. It’s an empowering journey that not only impacts others but also fosters personal growth and fulfillment in our lives.
As we reflect on these verses, let’s remind ourselves that everything we do should reflect love and compassion to others. Each act of service, no matter how small, adds to the larger picture of our calling in Christ. Let’s encourage one another to pursue being servant leaders in all aspects of our lives.
If you’re interested in more uplifting messages, feel free to read about Jesus’ sacrifice or find comfort in prayers for comfort.