ARE YOU USING PEOPLE, OR SERVING THEM?

Mark 10:41-45

⁴¹ When the other ten heard this, they began to be irritated with James and John. ⁴² So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their grand ones are tyrants over them. ⁴³ But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become grand among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of everyone. ⁴⁵ Because the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his soul as a release price to keep many from dying.”

tyrant or slave

Jesus’ question cuts straight through every illusion we carry about leadership. Would you rather be a tyrant over a few, or a servant to everyone? The world celebrates the first option. It rewards control, visibility, and authority. But Jesus turns the whole equation upside down. In His kingdom, leadership is not measured by how many people answer to you, but by how many people you are willing to serve.

The apostles needed that correction. They were imagining thrones, positions, and honor. Jesus pointed them instead to a cross. He showed them that the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. His leadership preserved others at the cost of Himself. That is the pattern He sets for every disciple who would lead in His name.

Christian leadership is not about control. It is not about influence for its own sake. It is not about building a platform or protecting a position. It is about sacrifice—pouring yourself out so that others may live, grow, and flourish. The real question is not “Who follows me?” but “Whom am I preserving by my service?” That is the measure Jesus uses.

Lord, make us leaders who serve to preserve.