How to Serve Like Jesus
When was the last time you felt overlooked, even when you gave your best?
Maybe you cook, clean, or care for others. Maybe you show up early and stay late. Still, it feels like no one notices. You wonder, Does this even matter?
I get it. As a Christian author and teacher who’s worn many hats, father, mentor, and ministry leader, I’ve often asked the same thing. But then I remember: Jeshua didn’t call me to be noticed. He called me to serve. And He showed me how.
Let’s explore what it means to lead like Jesus, by serving with purpose, humility, and love.
Why Jesus Washed Feet
To begin with, Jeshua chose to serve in ways no one expected.
One night before His death, He knelt to wash His disciples’ feet. This wasn’t normal. In fact, it was shocking. Foot-washing was a servant’s job in first-century Israel. Yet, Jeshua did it willingly.
Then He said something even more surprising.
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14 NIV
With this, Jeshua flipped the idea of leadership upside down. Great leaders weren’t the ones with power, but the ones who served others with love.
What Real Leadership Looks Like
Next, consider this: Most people think leadership is about being in charge. But Jesus showed that real leadership means putting others first.
This changes everything. You don’t need a title to lead. You just need a towel. Whether you’re guiding your family, helping your neighbor, or mentoring a friend, you’re leading. And you’re called to serve like Jesus.
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” – Matthew 20:28
His example teaches us that servant leadership is Kingdom leadership.
Serving Others Without Losing Yourself
At this point, you might wonder: Does serving others mean thinking less of myself?
Not at all. It means seeing yourself clearly—as Jesus sees you.
You’re valuable. You’re loved. You’re not less than anyone else. And because you know your worth in Christ, you’re free to love others from a secure place.
That’s the secret to sacrificial service. It flows from confidence, not insecurity. From abundance, not lack.
A Simple Example: The Coffee and the Kid
Let me share a quick story.
My neighbor once shared how she brought a tired mom a hot cup of coffee after church. That one act, simple and small, meant the world to someone who needed to feel seen.
That’s what it looks like to serve like Jesus. You don’t need a platform. Just a willing heart.
What’s Holding You Back?
Sometimes we hesitate to serve because we feel too busy or too broken. But Jesus doesn’t call the perfect. He calls the willing.
He just asks for one step at a time. A smile. A kind word. A helping hand.
How You Can Start Today
Here are 4 simple ways to serve like Jesus today:
Pray first. Ask Jeshua who needs your love today.
Listen well. Give someone your full attention.
Act small. Bring a meal. Offer a ride. Write a note.
Stay available. Be open to interruptions. Jesus often was.
Poll: What’s Your Biggest Challenge When It Comes to Serving?
Let’s get personal.
Which of these makes it hardest for you to serve like Jesus?
I don’t feel qualified
I’m too busy
I don’t think it matters
I don’t know how
What Kind of Servant Leader Are You?
Take this short quiz to discover your serving style.
What best describes your leadership personality?
I’m a behind-the-scenes helper
I lead by example
I love encouraging others
I jump in and fix problems
Final Thoughts: Follow the Towel
In conclusion, Jesus didn’t just preach servant leadership, He lived it.
He picked up the towel and bent low. He loved with hands that healed and feet that walked to the cross. And He invites you to do the same.
So today, ask Jeshua to show you how to lead by serving. Trust that your acts of love matter. Because in God’s Kingdom, the greatest leaders are the greatest servants.