Luke 22:24 
Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest. (CSB)

Within minutes they were bickering over who of them would end up the greatest. (The Message)

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“If you’re not serving, you’re not leading.”

I don’t know who originally said these words this way, but I do know where they originated. After the most significant Passover meal ever, the men gathered around Jesus began arguing about who was the greatest. At the moment when they should have been paying the closest attention, when they should have hung on every word of Jesus, they were instead focused on themselves.

Some things never change.

People are endlessly fascinated with themselves. I’m guessing everyone has thought at one time or another, “If everyone would do things the way I do them, everything would be better.”

Skip forward a few paragraphs and see how these would-be Great Leaders led themselves. Every one of them led himself out of the final picture frame. Only John was there when Jesus breathed his last. None of them took his body and laid it in the tomb. 

Before we can lead others with integrity, we have to lead ourselves with character and commitment. 

All of those gathered at the most important meal this side of heaven failed the test of leadership. Where was true greatness found among those in that room? That night, it was completely absent. 

Except for Jesus. Jesus washed feet. Jesus explained the fulfillment of the Passover. Jesus was the Passover lamb. Jesus showed his disciples how to lay down their lives for their friends. 

Great leaders serve. 

Great leaders serve to the uttermost. 

Great leaders empower others. 

The next time you are tempted to pull a Muhammed Ali, “I’m the greatest,” remember how Jesus served. Remember how he modeled leadership by serving. Remember how he corrected his misguided disciples about this idea of serving. (See verses 25-27). 

Jesus makes it clear: The greatest and the leader of the pack is the one who serves. 

Jesus made it clear: If you’re not serving, you’re not leading. 

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I will lead myself well and lead others by serving them as Jesus modeled and taught. 

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