11. A Disciple is a Servant

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” — Mark 10:43

In the last study, Love One Another – a Sign for the World, we learned that love is the mark of a true disciple of Jesus and the evidence that Christ’s life is active within us. But love, to be genuine, must move beyond words into action. Jesus showed us what love looks like when it takes the form of a servant. The One who could command legions of angels chose instead to kneel with a towel and basin. In this lesson, we will explore how serving others is not a lesser task, but the highest expression of greatness in the Kingdom of God.

Jesus’ words to His disciples turned the world’s understanding of greatness upside down, totally opposite from the values of the world.  In the western world, people are obsessed with climbing higher, yet Jesus pointed downward to humility, servanthood, and love. Jesus spoke this passage in response to James and John’s request to sit at His right and left hand in glory. Jesus’ answer totally dismantled their ambitions and revealed the true heart of discipleship: serving others in the same spirit with which He served us. To follow Christ is to choose the towel over the throne, the cross over comfort, and the path of love over self-promotion.

The Example of Jesus: The Servant King

Jesus’ entire ministry was a living model of servanthood. Though He is the highest of the high, God the Son, when he came to earth, he didn’t come to lord over others, but as a humble servant.  As we read in Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  The eternal Word became flesh, not to demand honor but to wash the feet of those who would soon abandon Him.

In that moment, Jesus gave His followers an unforgettable lesson. True greatness is not measured by how many people serve you but by how many people you serve. His kingdom reverses the world’s hierarchy. “The greatest among you,” He said, “will be your servant.” (Mt 23:11).

Every act of service, whether noticed or unseen, should fully embody this kingdom principle. When you visit the sick, encourage the weary, teach a child, or offer forgiveness, you reflect the heart of Jesus Himself. He never separated authority from humility or power from compassion. His authority flowed from His willingness to serve and sacrifice.

Serving with a New Motivation: Love, Not Obligation

Christian service is not about guilt, pressure, or earning favor with God. It flows from our love because Jesus first loved us. In the upper room, after washing their feet, Jesus gave the disciples a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). That love is meant to expressed through serving others in humility and caring.

When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he echoed this truth: “Serve one another humbly in love.” (Gal 5:13). Service is not a meant to prove our worth, rather it is an outflowing from our hearts because of our understanding of Christ’s worth. When our hearts are filled with His love, service becomes a joy, not an act of duty.

This perspective transforms everything. Folding laundry for your family, helping a neighbor in need, mentoring a younger believer, aiding the poor, or serving at church. These are not small tasks; they are sacred opportunities to display Christ’s humility in a world that glorifies pride. Service becomes worship when it flows from love.

Serving as Stewardship: Using our Gifts for Others

Every believer has been entrusted with spiritual gifts designed to bless others. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,” Peter wrote, “as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” (1 Pet 4:10). Serving is not optional or only when necessary, it’s the natural outworking of God’s grace in us.

Your gift may be hospitality, teaching, encouragement, mercy, leadership, generosity, or craftsmanship. Whatever it is, it has been given not for your glory but for the good of the body of Christ. When we withhold our gifts, we rob others of God’s blessing. When we offer them freely, the church thrives and the gospel advances.

Jesus illustrated stewardship through the parable of the talents (Mt 25:14-30). Those who used their gifts heard the words that every disciple longs to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Stewardship taking what God as given us and investing in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Our time, our talents, our possessions and our compassion.  And most of all, serving others in humility pleases God immensely.

What this Means for a Disciple Today

In our culture, serving others often feels like weakness. But in God’s kingdom, it is strength in its purest form. To serve means to align your heart with the character of Christ and to participate in His ongoing work in the world.

For disciples, serving others is not confined to Sunday mornings or volunteer programs. It is a lifestyle. It’s listening when someone needs to talk, helping without expecting recognition, or forgiving when you could hold a grudge. It’s bringing meals, mentoring youth, leading with humility, and giving your time even when it costs you something.

When we serve, we mirror Jesus to the world. The church becomes radiant when its members embody Christ’s humility. Service is the pulse of discipleship, it keeps our faith active, our hearts soft, and our communities alive with grace.

The path of service does just demonstrate we belong to Jesus; it also refines us. As we pour out for others, we discover joy that selfish living can never produce. Remember the last time you helped another person who was in need.  Remember the joy you felt? It wasn’t the joy of success or victory; it was a deep joy that is almost indescribable.   When we serve, we better understand the heart of God.  We also learn dependence on God’s strength rather than our own. And, while this seems counter-intuitive to the world,  we find meaning not in being honored, but in honoring others.

In the end, discipleship cannot exist without servanthood. To follow Jesus is to walk in His steps.  And His steps always lead toward the needs of others. Greatness in God’s kingdom is not achieved; it’s received through humble obedience.  When we one day stand before Christ, the measure of our lives will not be our titles or achievements but whether we reflected His servant heart.

Service reveals our love for others, but obedience reveals our love for God. The same humility that bends low to serve also bows the heart in submission to His will. Jesus’ life was perfectly marked by both serving humanity and obedience to the Father. In the next study, Obedience is God’s Love Language, we will see how obedience is not a burden but the purest expression of love, the way disciples show that their hearts belong fully to Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Why do you think Jesus connects greatness with serving?
How does this redefine what true success or significance looks like in God’s Kingdom?

How did Jesus demonstrate servanthood during His ministry?
Which of His actions most challenges or inspires you personally?

What attitudes or fears sometimes keep us from serving others wholeheartedly?
How can remembering Christ’s example free us from these barriers?

Serving often requires humility and sacrifice.
How can we guard our hearts against seeking recognition or reward when we serve?

Read John 13:12–15.
What lessons can we draw from Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, and how can we apply that spirit of humble service today?

What opportunities has God placed in your life right now?
Think about opportunities at home, at work, at school, in your neighborhood, needs you are aware of, or church where you can serve

How does serving others draw us closer to Jesus and reflect His heart to the world?
Do you feel Christ is drawing you to anyone or any situation that He may be urging you to serve?