MEMORY SCRIPTURE
And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all”
(Mark 9:35).
Servant leadership means serving others selflessly, inspiring greatness, and empowering them to reach their full potential, rather than seeking to be served.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 17: Set Apart For The Task (Rom. 1:1-6)
Tue. 18: Surrendered For The Task (Matt. 20:28-34)
Wed.19: Skilled For The Task (Jer. 3:15)
Thur. 20: Served With The Best Ability (Num. 14:24)
Fri. 21: Sent To Save Lives (Lk. 7:12-16)
Sat. 22: See Leadership styles In Others (Php. 1:1-6)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
In the Christian community, we should embrace the spirit of servanthood, as servant-leaders to our brethren.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Isaiah 53; Mark 10:42-45; Philippians 2:3-8
Last week’s lesson on Samuel and Daniel highlighted the importance of honesty and good character in leadership, with hope for a positive impact. Glory be to God!
This week focuses on Servant-leadership, seen in biblical figures like Moses, David, Paul and Jesus, who prioritised followers’ needs through encouragement and support. A leader’s heart shapes his /her life, driving passion for the Lord and service in His Kingdom. To be a servant-leader, one must prioritise being a servant first and then, a leader. Emulating Jesus’ humility, Who washed His disciples’ feet, exemplifies true servant leadership. Chosen leaders must seek God’s guidance, adopting His passion and humility, committed to the rescue mission despite challenges–distinct from the innate desire for self-glory.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE PORTRAIT ISAIAH PRESENTS
- THE PARAMOUNT EXAMPLE OF JESUS
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE PORTRAIT ISAIAH PRESENTS (Isa. 53:1-12)
…He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors
(v. 12).
a) Isa. 53:1-12 present a vivid portrait of leadership_ through the suffering Servant, prefiguring Christ’s sacrificial leadership
b) V. 1: Leaders need spiritual insight to understand and fulfil their roles effectively-..to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
c) VV. 3-7: Leadership is sacrificial. The true leader is he who sacrifices himself for the benefit of others, willing to endure suffering and humiliation.
d) vv. 4-5: God equips servant-leaders to be willing to suffer for the benefit of those they lead as mirrored in Christ’s sacrificial love.
e) v. 9: The significance of integrity and righteousness in leadership cannot be overemphasised. The leader must remain faithful to God’s will despite facing opposition and persecution.
f) v. 10: Divine appointment/calling: Leaders are appointed by God for specific purposes. Don’t go, ifyou aren’t called.
g) v. 11: Servant-leaders prioritise the needs of others above theirs, as reflected in Christ’s humility and selflessness.
h) vv. 10-12: Isaiah depicts a leader who displays resilience, steadfast faith and commitment in the face of opposition and adversity. Such also intercedes for others and bear their burdens (v. 12).
THE PARAMOUNT EXAMPLE OF JESUS (Mk. 10:42-45; Php. 2:3-8)
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus
(Php. 2:5)
a) Mk. 10:42,43: The disciples’ nature contrasted with Jesus’ model of servant-leadership; they sought power for selfish reasons. Jesus establishes the foundation of godly leadership, different from the worldly system of dominance (Exod. 1:15-22; Matt. 20:25).
b) v.43: Leaders should emulate Jesus, the humble Servant (1 Cor. 16:15- 16; Eph. 1:20-23).
c) vv.44-45; Jesus’ sacrificial service shows that leaders shouldn’t elicit submission through force but through their examples of serving others (cf. 1 Pet. 2:21).
d) Php. 2:3-5: Leaders should imbibe Christ’s humility (Eph. 1:20-22). Instead of selfish ambition, cultivate Jesus’ selflessness (cf. 1 Cor. 4:6,18,19).
e) vv. 6-8: Jesus voluntarily sacrificed His all for us (vv. 6,7; Heb. 2:14). His humble obedience to God, even unto death, despite His divine nature, should be emulated (Heb. 5:8-9).
LESSONS DERIVED
- Isaiah’s portrayal validates servant-leadership as aligning with God’s will. Pray for the grace.
- Leaders should emulate Jesus, exhibiting His humility, sacrificial service, and obedience to God’s will.
QUESTIONS
- Discuss how Jesus portrayed servant-leader’s attributes
- Do we still have servant-leaders in our churches’ today?
