Biblical Eldership Church Leadership

Servant Leadership

“And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called by men, Rabbi. But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers” (Matt. 2326-8). “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 2321 1,12). The religious leaders about whom Jesus spoke separated and ex alted themselves above the people. They sought for themselves spe cial titles, clothes, and treatment—the chief seats among their fellow men. They loved high-profile, public ministry. They loved the lime light and celebrity status. In marked contrast, Jesus prohibited His dis ciples from using honorific titles, calling one another Rabbi, exalting themselves in any way that would diminish their brotherly relation ship, or usurping the unique place that Christ and the Father have over each believer.7 Despite our Lord’s repeated teaching on humility, we must concur with Andrew Murray (1828-1917), the beloved devotional writer and missionary statesman from South Africa, that humility is still a ne glected virtue among many Christians: When I look back on my own religious experience, or on the Church of Christ in the world, I stand amazed at the thought of how little humility is sought after as the distinguishing feature of the discipleship of Jesus. In preaching and living, in the daily activities of the home and social life, in the more special fellowship with Christians, in the direction and performance of work for Christ—how much proof there is that humility is not esteemed the cardinal virtue.8 LUKE 22:24-272 ONE WHO SERVES. As unbelievable as it may sound in light of Christ’s clear and repeated teaching, the disciples again argued during the Passover meal as to which one of them was regarded as the greatest (Luke 22:24). Again, we witness our Lord patiently teaching them not to think and act like worldly leaders:

“The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who

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