The Depths of His Love: He Came to Serve and Sacrifice / David Jeremiah

 

The Depths of His Love: He Came to Serve and Sacrifice

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45

 Recommended Reading: Philippians 2:6-8

Robert K. Greenleaf (d. 1990) was a corporate executive who became disenchanted with top-down, authoritarian leadership styles in major corporations. In 1964, he left the corporate world and founded the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. He spent the rest of his career consulting with major corporations, institutions, and organizations—spreading the idea that the best leaders are those who are servant leaders. The servant-leadership movement continues to grow worldwide.

Long before Robert K. Greenleaf coined a new term and model for leadership, Jesus was employing it in His own ministry. Servant leaders were a rarity in Jesus’ day; the religious leaders of that day promoted their own authority and prominence. But Jesus set aside His authority when He came to earth to be a servant to mankind. What motivates someone to serve others? Nothing short of unconditional love. Servant-leaders seek the best interests of those they lead, expecting nothing in return. Jesus’ love for the world motivated Him to serve by sacrificing His life for us.

Jesus demonstrated the depths of His love by sacrificing His life as a servant.

A Christian man is a perfectly dutiful servant, subject of all, subject to all.
Martin Luther