Some of Scripture’s strongest warnings and rebukes fall on leaders. Those entrusted to serve, protect, and care for the sheep, yet who used the sheep and their position for their own gain.
Jesus says it this way:
“They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.” (Matthew 23:4)
They are lovers of status, managers of appearances, and burden‑loaders, not burden‑bearers. But Christian leadership is not about climbing ladders, or having authority, or getting to tell people what to do. It’s about laying down your life: “My life for yours.”
That is the shape of the gospel. And it is the way of Christ—there is no other:
“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” (Matt. 20:26)
“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Here was the One, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, rose from supper, laid aside his outer garments, took a towel, and began to wash the disciples’ feet (John 13:3–5). Not merely symbolically or theoretically, but physically.
Jesus took on the lowest task in the room—that of the servant (Peter himself was embarrassed for Jesus [John 13:8]). This act of humble service was just a taste of what was to come at the cross, where he would serve his people to the very end. Washing and cleansing us from all our sin and shame, and robing us in his beautiful righteousness making us his very own. He is not merely willing to die for us. He is not merely willing to serve us, but “He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1)
This was no tragic accident, nor was it some kind of reluctant obedience: “For the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross.” (Heb. 12:2). Every step was intentionally chosen. Every burden was willingly embraced. And every act of service carried through, deliberately, to the very end. Christ out-serves his sheep in every single way. And he does it every single time.
This is the kind of leader Christ forms and calls. And this is the kind of leader Christ’s beautiful bride, the church, needs. Not impressive but faithful in love. Not self‑protective but self-giving. Doing nothing from selfish ambition but counting others more significant than themselves (Phil. 2:3). She needs leaders who do not ask, “How does this benefit me?” but rather, “How can I carry this burden for you? How can I outserve you in love?”
There is no distance Christ is unwilling to go. There is no job beneath him that he will not joyfully complete in love. And now he is risen in glory, with holes in his hands and standing as a Lamb who was slain (Rev. 5:6). This is what greatness looks like. This is what glory looks like. This is what true leadership looks like.
So may the Lord raise up leaders who, by beholding the One radiant in goodness, are made like him, and who therefore willingly, cheerfully, and faithfully live out: “My life for yours.”
