Leaders should like a servant, I have been with you as a servant.

Luke 22:27 CEVUK - [27] Who do people think is the greatest, a person who is served or one who serves? Isn't it the one who is served? But I have been with you as a servant.

The concept of a leader being like a servant is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible. This idea is often referred to as "servant leadership." Here’s how and why this concept is emphasized in the Bible, along with its impact:

### How and Why as per the Bible

1. **Jesus' Teaching and Example**:

   - **Mark 10:42-45**: Jesus teaches that whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. He Himself came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

   - **John 13:1-17**: Jesus washes His disciples' feet, a task typically performed by servants, to demonstrate humility and servant leadership. He then instructs His disciples to do the same for others.

2. **Humility and Selflessness**:

   - **Philippians 2:3-8**: Paul encourages believers to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than themselves. He points to Jesus as the ultimate example of humility and servanthood.

3. **Leading by Serving**:

   - **Matthew 20:26-28**: Jesus reiterates that the greatest among His followers should be their servant. He emphasizes that leadership is not about exercising authority over others but about serving them.

### Impact of Servant Leadership as per Jesus Christ

1. **Transformation of Relationships**:

   - Servant leadership fosters trust, respect, and genuine care within relationships. It breaks down hierarchical barriers and promotes a sense of community and mutual support.

2. **Empowerment of Others**:

   - By serving others, leaders empower them to grow, develop, and reach their full potential. This creates a more dynamic and capable community or organization.

3. **Reflection of Christ’s Love**:

   - Servant leadership is a practical way to reflect Christ’s love and humility. It serves as a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the values of the Kingdom of God.

4. **Spiritual Growth**:

   - Practicing servant leadership helps individuals grow spiritually by cultivating humility, patience, and selflessness. It aligns one’s life more closely with the teachings and example of Jesus.

5. **Positive Influence**:

   - Leaders who serve rather than dominate inspire others to adopt similar attitudes and behaviors. This can lead to a culture of service and humility within a group or organization.

### Practical Application

- **Listening and Empathy**: A servant leader listens to the needs and concerns of others and responds with empathy and compassion.

- **Support and Encouragement**: They provide support and encouragement, helping others to succeed and flourish.

- **Humility and Integrity**: They lead with humility and integrity, putting the needs of others before their own.

- **Service and Sacrifice**: They are willing to make sacrifices for the well-being of those they lead.

In summary, servant leadership as taught by Jesus Christ and the Bible is about leading through serving, humility, and selflessness. It transforms relationships, empowers others, reflects Christ’s love, promotes spiritual growth, and creates a positive and influential leadership model.