The Servant Leader: Jesus’ Model of Authority
Ancient Truth for Modern Leaders
In a world that equates leadership with dominance, status, and influence, one of the most powerful lessons in leadership didn’t come from a CEO or a general—but from a Teacher who knelt to wash His disciples’ feet. In John 13:12-17, we witness Jesus Christ, the Son of God, laying aside His outer garments, wrapping a towel around His waist, and performing the task reserved for the lowliest servant.
It’s more than just a beautiful gesture. It’s a blueprint.
A Radical Reversal of Power
At first glance, the act of washing feet seems out of place for someone of Jesus' stature. In first-century Judea, foot-washing was an act of hospitality but was always delegated to servants. For the Master to kneel before His followers was shocking—and yet it was entirely consistent with the way Jesus led.
“You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:13–14, RSVCE)
This single act encapsulates Jesus’ approach to leadership: not one of authority over others, but authority under God, expressed through loving service.
In today’s leadership culture—where power often serves ego and control—Jesus models something revolutionary. He teaches us that leadership is not a platform to elevate ourselves, but a posture to lower ourselves in service to others.
The Characteristics of a Servant Leader
Drawing from Jesus' example, here are six key characteristics that define a servant leader:
1. Humility
Jesus willingly took on a task no one else wanted. He wasn’t concerned with how He appeared or what others thought. Humility in leadership means we are secure enough to serve in unseen, thankless roles when needed. It means we listen more than we speak and lift others up without seeking credit.
2. Empathy
By washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus acknowledged their physical and spiritual journey. He met them where they were—dirty, tired, confused—and offered comfort. Servant leaders take time to understand the burdens others carry. They walk beside their teams, not ahead of them.
3. Intentionality
Jesus knew His time was short. He chose this moment with great purpose. Servant leaders act with vision and clarity, knowing that small acts of service can leave lasting impressions. Leadership isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things at the right time.
4. Empowerment
By saying, “You also ought to wash one another’s feet,” Jesus was empowering His followers to go and do likewise. Servant leaders equip others to lead, to grow, and to succeed—even if that means working themselves out of a job.
5. Integrity
Jesus didn’t just teach these values; He lived them. His leadership was never manipulative or self-serving. Servant leaders are the same in private as they are in public. They lead with consistency, compassion, and conviction.
6. Love
At the heart of Jesus’ action was love. A love that sees the worth in others. A love that goes the extra mile. A love that costs something. Servant leadership is powered by love, not ambition. That love transforms the lives of those we lead.
Servant Leadership in the Modern World
While the setting may differ, the application is timeless. Leaders today face pressure to perform, deliver results, and compete in a fast-paced, metrics-driven world. Yet when we shift from self-serving leadership to servant leadership, we find a path that is not only more ethical but more effective.
Consider the following modern parallels:
In the workplace, servant leaders create cultures of trust. They recognize the dignity of every employee—from the janitor to the executive—and inspire loyalty through care and respect.
In the church, servant leaders don’t lead from a pedestal, but from the pulpit of example. They are shepherds, not CEOs—available, accountable, and authentic.
In the home, servant leadership shows up in small moments: changing diapers, attending school events, listening with full attention. Leadership in the family is often unseen, but eternally significant.
In politics and public service, we need leaders who don’t seek office for power’s sake but for the opportunity to lift communities. As Scripture reminds us, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43, RSVCE).
Breaking the Cultural Mold
Let’s face it: servant leadership doesn’t come naturally. We’re trained to climb ladders, not to hold them for others. We crave recognition, not obscurity. But Jesus flips that narrative on its head:
“For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15, RSVCE)
To lead like Christ, we must first follow Christ. We must be willing to embrace a leadership model that may seem foolish to the world but is faithful to the Word.
It means we stop asking, “How many people work for me?” and start asking, “How many people am I working for?”
Leading Through Service: Practical Steps
Here are five ways you can embody servant leadership this week:
Perform an unseen act of kindness for someone on your team. No spotlight. No announcement.
Ask meaningful questions in your one-on-ones: “What’s weighing on you?” or “How can I better support you?”
Delegate with development in mind. Use leadership as an opportunity to elevate others, not micromanage them.
Apologize when needed. Humility builds more trust than perfection ever could.
Celebrate team wins more than your own. Shift the narrative from “I did it” to “We did it.”
These steps, though small, are transformative. They cultivate trust, inspire loyalty, and reflect the very heart of Jesus.
Legacy Over Power
The legacy of a servant leader is not written in titles or accolades but in the lives they’ve shaped. Long after Jesus’ earthly ministry, the world is still being changed by the example He left behind.
He didn’t lead armies. He didn’t hold office. But He led through love—and it changed everything.
“Blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17, RSVCE)
May we be so bold as to lead like that. May we kneel before others, not because we’re weak, but because we’re strong enough to serve.
Final Reflection
Ask yourself today: In what ways can I lead through serving others this week?
Maybe it’s by slowing down to truly listen. Maybe it’s by doing something inconvenient for someone else. Or maybe it’s by recommitting to a leadership style that prioritizes people over profits, calling over control, and faith over fear.
The servant leader isn’t passive. They are powerful in ways the world doesn’t always understand. They are brave enough to lead from below, knowing that their foundation is unshakeable.
Join the Conversation
🎙️ This week's Leadership Scroll podcast explores this topic in depth, featuring real-life stories of modern leaders who follow Christ’s servant model. 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a weekly dose of Ancient Truth for Modern Leaders.
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