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100 Bible Verses about Servant Leaders

Mark 10:42-45 ESV / 332 helpful votes

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even 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 ESV / 264 helpful votes

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Peter 5:3 ESV / 246 helpful votes

Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

John 13:12-15 ESV / 219 helpful votes

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

Acts 20:35 ESV / 145 helpful votes

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Luke 22:26 ESV / 142 helpful votes

But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.

Hebrews 13:7 ESV / 141 helpful votes

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Philippians 2:3-8 ESV / 140 helpful votes

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ...

Matthew 20:26 ESV / 111 helpful votes

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,

Acts 20:28 ESV / 109 helpful votes

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Matthew 20:28 ESV / 100 helpful votes

Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

John 13:12-17 ESV / 81 helpful votes

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ...

Galatians 6:9 ESV / 72 helpful votes

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Hebrews 13:17 ESV / 61 helpful votes

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Philippians 2:3 ESV / 60 helpful votes

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

1 Timothy 3:1-16 ESV / 55 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? ...

1 Peter 5:1-14 ESV / 51 helpful votes

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” ...

Mark 9:35 ESV / 51 helpful votes

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

Proverbs 4:23 ESV / 50 helpful votes

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 47 helpful votes

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Psalm 78:72 ESV / 47 helpful votes

With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV / 44 helpful votes

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Ephesians 4:12 ESV / 43 helpful votes

To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Exodus 18:21 ESV / 43 helpful votes

Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

John 3:30 ESV / 40 helpful votes

He must increase, but I must decrease.”

1 Peter 5:2 ESV / 39 helpful votes

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

Matthew 7:12 ESV / 36 helpful votes

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Proverbs 29:2 ESV / 36 helpful votes

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

James 3:1 ESV / 35 helpful votes

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV / 35 helpful votes

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Luke 6:31 ESV / 35 helpful votes

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

Matthew 20:25-28 ESV / 34 helpful votes

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 6:21 ESV / 34 helpful votes

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

John 13:3-5 ESV / 31 helpful votes

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

1 Timothy 3:5 ESV / 29 helpful votes

For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?

Romans 12:1-21 ESV / 29 helpful votes

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ...

1 Timothy 3:1-13 ESV / 28 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? ...

Proverbs 11:14 ESV / 28 helpful votes

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Philippians 2:5 ESV / 27 helpful votes

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Philippians 2:4 ESV / 27 helpful votes

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Matthew 24:45-47 ESV / 27 helpful votes

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

Matthew 20:20-28 ESV / 27 helpful votes

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. ...

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 26 helpful votes

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Timothy 3:2 ESV / 26 helpful votes

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

John 3:16-17 ESV / 26 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Romans 12:2 ESV / 25 helpful votes

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Luke 12:48 ESV / 25 helpful votes

But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

2 Timothy 4:5 ESV / 24 helpful votes

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Matthew 5:37 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV / 23 helpful votes

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

Ephesians 4:11-13 ESV / 23 helpful votes

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

Acts 6:1-15 ESV / 23 helpful votes

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. ...

John 13:15 ESV / 23 helpful votes

For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

Luke 22:24-27 ESV / 23 helpful votes

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Proverbs 31:8-9 ESV / 23 helpful votes

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 29:14 ESV / 23 helpful votes

If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.

Proverbs 16:12 ESV / 23 helpful votes

It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.

1 Peter 5:5 ESV / 21 helpful votes

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Timothy 3:1 ESV / 21 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

Philippians 2:7 ESV / 21 helpful votes

But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Ephesians 5:21 ESV / 21 helpful votes

Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

John 13:13-17 ESV / 21 helpful votes

You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

John 13:12-16 ESV / 21 helpful votes

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

John 13:1 ESV / 21 helpful votes

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

Colossians 3:23-24 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

John 13:1-38 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. ...

Matthew 23:8 ESV / 20 helpful votes

But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.

1 Peter 5:2-4 ESV / 19 helpful votes

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 19 helpful votes

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 19 helpful votes

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Proverbs 27:23-24 ESV / 19 helpful votes

Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?

3 John 1:9 ESV / 18 helpful votes

I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.

Philippians 1:1 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

Mark 10:43 ESV / 18 helpful votes

But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,

Matthew 20:25 ESV / 18 helpful votes

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

Matthew 16:1-28 ESV / 18 helpful votes

And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed. When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. ...

1 Timothy 1:1-20 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ...

Philippians 2:1-11 ESV / 17 helpful votes

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ...

John 13:1-17 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. ...

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Psalm 37:5 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Titus 1:5 ESV / 15 helpful votes

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—

1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV / 15 helpful votes

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV / 15 helpful votes

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV / 14 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ...

Acts 20:31 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

John 13:3 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,

Matthew 25:40 ESV / 14 helpful votes

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Matthew 23:11 ESV / 14 helpful votes

The greatest among you shall be your servant.

2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV / 13 helpful votes

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

1 Kings 12:7 ESV / 13 helpful votes

And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.”

1 John 2:6 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

James 1:12 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Ephesians 6:6 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

Romans 12:3-8 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; ...

Matthew 5:3 ESV / 12 helpful votes

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

James 4:10 ESV / 11 helpful votes

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Ephesians 5:1-33 ESV / 11 helpful votes

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ...

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