Jesus The Servant
“but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:7-8 – NKJV)
In a world focused on self-determination, “selfies”, and self-enrichment, the biblical concept of servanthood stands in sharp contrast. Today, we hear phrases like: “I do what works for me!”; “Make money for yourself!”; “You’re special!”; “I deserve it!”; “It’s my right!” However, rarely do we hear: “How can I help you?”; “Is there anything I can do for you?”; “How would you like me to do this?”
Despite society’s neglect or mockery of servanthood, it remains a cornerstone of success in business. Any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you that true wealth, promotion, and sustainable growth comes through serving others. The business that serves its customers best earns their loyalty—and with loyalty comes long-term success.
No modern Western person would endorse slavery today. The idea that someone could be another’s possession, stripped of rights and forced into absolute obedience, especially without their choice, goes against every notion of social justice and human rights. Yet, slavery still exists. Take, for example, the estimated plight of 65 million immigrants—many of whom are not homeless or unemployed by choice—left dependent on the goodwill of other nations and governments. The secretive rise of the sex trade, coupled with record-high unemployment, only exacerbates these forms of exploitation.
Such abuse and denial of the fundamental truth that every human being is created in the image of God must be unequivocally condemned. We must unite in opposing these injustices and actively seek solutions to bring about change.
Many who have not taken the time to study the scriptures in depth might mistakenly conclude that Christians are responsible for slavery or that the Bible outright endorses it. They may argue that the Bible’s seeming tolerance of slavery should be rejected with firm resistance. However, a closer examination reveals that the Bible provides a practical alternative. Rather than endorsing exploitation, it encourages slaves to maintain their dignity, even within their circumstances. The scriptures teach that one’s worth is not determined by their status as a slave but by their relationship with God, promoting an inner freedom and dignity that transcends external conditions. This message shifts the focus from victimhood to personal honor and integrity, regardless of one’s station in life.
Butlers have long upheld a distinguished code of conduct centered on dignified servanthood, defined by loyalty, discretion, and integrity. Their role, which historically involved managing valuable household assets and overseeing staff, has evolved to include administrative and managerial responsibilities, such as budgeting and event planning. Despite these modern adaptations, the essence of their service remains rooted in honoring the needs of their employer above personal interests. Ethical principles like confidentiality, impartial advice, and avoidance of conflicts of interest are paramount in their profession, reflecting the high standards of dignified service that butlers embody. [1]
“The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them all.” (Prov. 22:2)
Both servants and rulers are bound by the same biblical principles of reverence, justice, esteem, and the fear of the Lord. The Bible does not condone the exploitation of servants, as seen in the stark contrast between God’s commandments and the treatment of the Israelites under Egyptian oppression: “So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Raamses as store cities for Pharaoh.” (Ex. 1:11)
The Jewish people, having endured 400 years of harsh slavery, are taught not to treat others in the same manner. Throughout biblical history, we find stories of servants, slaves, and subjects who played pivotal roles in shaping the course of nations, often through their faith and wisdom. Figures like Joseph, who rose from slavery to become a powerful advisor in Egypt, exemplify how God values individuals regardless of their status, using them for significant purposes in governance and leadership. The Bible’s teachings highlight that both servant and ruler are accountable to God, and should act justly and honorably in all relationships.
The Influence of Godly Servanthood
Joseph
“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.” (Gen. 39:21-23) Joseph excelled despite being wrongfully enslaved, imprisoned, and forgotten on three separate occasions. His rapid rise to authority speaks volumes about the extraordinary personality, character, and excellence he displayed. Joseph was promoted to the head of Potiphar’s household, later to the head of the prison, and eventually to the second-highest position in Egypt. (Gen. 41:39-44) This was not merely due to his skills, but because he embodied qualities that set him apart: there was no trace of victimhood, self-pity, laziness, or resentment in him. Instead, Joseph demonstrated diligence, integrity, humility, and resilience, refusing to let hurt, pride or offence define him. His unwavering faith and positive attitude in the face of adversity allowed him to flourish, showing that true greatness comes from a heart aligned with God’s purpose and a mind free from bitterness.
Nehemiah
Nehemiah must have been an extraordinary steward and servant to gain the trust and favor of King Artaxerxes, the ruler of Persia. As a cupbearer, Nehemiah’s role was not just about serving wine; he was responsible for the king’s safety and had the king’s ear. This position required absolute loyalty, integrity, and discretion. His ability to earn such high favor indicates that he was not only diligent and trustworthy in his duties, but also demonstrated wisdom and discernment in his service. The fact that the king not only listened to Nehemiah’s concerns about Jerusalem, but also provided resources and protection for his mission, shows the deep level of respect and confidence the king had in him. Nehemiah’s stewardship over this trust allowed him to wield influence that extended far beyond his formal position, making him a model of servant leadership.
“And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, that I took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before.” (Neh. 2:1). Nehemiah developed such a strong bond with King Artaxerxes that their relationship went beyond that of a servant and master; they became close enough that the king noticed even subtle changes in Nehemiah’s mood. This speaks to the deep level of trust and familiarity between them. For a king to be attuned to the emotional state of his cupbearer demonstrates how much Nehemiah had distinguished himself through his loyalty, integrity, and excellence in service. He was so valuable to the king, that he wanted to know when he would return. “Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.” (Neh. 2:6)
Maid of Naaman
In the story of Naaman and the young Israelite girl from 2 Kings 5:2, servanthood plays a pivotal role in transforming Naaman’s life, despite the girl’s lowly position as a captive slave. Though she was just a young servant, her faith, humility, and willingness to speak up changed the course of Naaman’s life. Rather than harboring bitterness over her enslavement, she cared for her master’s well-being and bravely suggested that Naaman seek healing from the prophet Elisha in Israel. This act of servanthood, coming from someone so powerless, demonstrates how God can use anyone, regardless of their social status, to bring about profound change. “And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife.” (2 Kings 5:2)
Daniel
Daniel’s unwavering loyalty to both God and his employer, King Nebuchadnezzar, is remarkable. As a Hebrew in a foreign land, his position as chief ruler over the non-Hebrew, non-Torah-based leaders, including occult magicians and priests of idols, would have been extraordinarily difficult. Yet, despite these challenges, Daniel excelled in his duties, as shown when the king promoted him to oversee the whole province of Babylon and made him chief administrator over all the wise men: “Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.” (Dan. 2:48)
What is remarkable about Daniel is how he remained 100% loyal to a most evil ruler. He remained faithful, openly defending and protecting the interests of the king. His integrity was so impeccable that when his enemies sought to find fault with him, they could find none: “So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.” (Dan. 6:4)
See the choice of words Daniel used when pronouncing immanent divine judgement against this evil king. Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.”
Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies!” (Dan 4:19) Daniel had a profound understanding of authority and knew how to honor the office, regardless of the individual occupying the throne. In today’s predominantly postmodern culture, authority is often despised, criminalized, and defied with rebellious attitudes. Unfortunately, these idealists may soon discover the harsh reality that, as Helen Zille aptly puts it in her book, “woke equals broke”. Zille, a seasoned South African politician, wisely explains how rejecting foundational principles, such as respect for authority and individual responsibility, leads to societal and economic decline. Daniel’s example stands in stark contrast, showing how respecting authority can result in greater influence and success, even in difficult circumstances.
Helen Zille’s book ‘#StayWoke: Go Broke’ explores the growing influence of “woke” culture and its potential to destabilize societies like South Africa. Zille argues that the culture wars originating from the United States, particularly around issues of identity politics and “cancel culture”, pose a significant threat to South Africa’s future. She traces the roots of this movement back to Critical Race Theory and questions how a movement that claims to fight bigotry can weaponize social ostracism through practices like “cancel culture”. Particular effort is made to reveal how the glorification of victimhood as a means of income is not sustainable. [2]
May the Lord raise up leaders like Daniel in our country and the world—leaders who serve with integrity, faithfulness, and an unshakable commitment to righteousness!
The Life of a Servant: Protected and Valuable
A servant’s life in biblical times was not without protection. The law explicitly stated that if a master beat a servant to death, the master would be punished: “And if a man beats his male or female servant with a rod, so that he dies under his hand, he shall surely be punished. However, if the servant survives a day or two, he shall not be punished, for the servant is his property.” (Ex. 21:20-21) Although this may seem harsh by modern standards, it demonstrates that even slaves had certain protections.
Slaves, along with their families, could also attain freedom under certain conditions. The law provided for the release of Hebrew slaves after six years of service, and not only were they set free, but they were also to be generously supplied with provisions to help them start their new lives: “When you send him away from you, you shall not let him go away empty-handed.” (Deut. 15:12-14)
The law protected the dignity of servants by forbidding covetousness towards them: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant.” (Ex. 20:17) Furthermore, servants were granted rest on the Sabbath, a practice that placed value on their well-being. (Ex. 20:10)
Being a faithful and wise servant could lead to greater authority, as Jesus illustrated in his parables: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household?” (Matt. 24:45) In Luke’s Gospel, we see how highly valued servants could be, as evidenced by the centurion’s concern for his servant’s well-being, going as far as seeking Jesus’ help for healing. (Luke 7:1-10)
Paul’s letters, particularly his letter to Philemon, offer a New Covenant perspective on servanthood. He emphasizes the importance of voluntary service and mutual respect, even when dealing with a servant who has become a brother in Christ: “I prefer to do nothing without your consent, in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.” (Philemon 1:14) This underscores the idea that, under the New Covenant, the focus is on freedom of choice and a servant’s dignity, as well as the deeper value of calling and purpose. Paul’s teachings abolish the idea of servitude as a lifelong obligation and instead highlight the spiritual freedom and responsibility to live out one’s calling in Christ. (1 Cor. 7:20-24)
Biblical slavery, then, is not merely about labor or profession. It’s about recognizing one’s purpose and value, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve, who were deceived into thinking they had to do something to become like God, rather than realizing they were already made in His image. (Gen. 3:5) Similarly, Esau’s disregard for his birthright reflects a failure to value God-given roles. (Gen. 25:29; Heb. 12:16) True servanthood lies in working with passion and purpose, recognizing one’s calling rather than simply laboring for survival.
This perspective reshapes our understanding of slavery in the Bible, not as a dehumanizing institution, but as a framework in which one’s calling and dignity are ultimately protected and valued under God’s law.
Scriptural Principles For Employees
In the Bible, the workplace is generally framed around two primary roles: that of the owner and that of the servant. However, in Christ, these distinctions are removed before God: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28)
Jesus emphasized the humility of a servant: “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matt. 10:24) and, “Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.” (John 13:16)
The Apostle Paul reinforced this idea, teaching that one’s status—whether free or enslaved—is secondary to their obedience to God’s commandments: “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.” (1 Cor. 7:19-20) Paul further explains that while someone may be a servant by social status, in Christ they are free, just as those who are free in the world are Christ’s servants.
The ultimate example of servanthood is found in Jesus Himself, who, although being God, humbled Himself to serve humanity: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” (Phil. 2:5-7)
For employees, the Bible is clear about the attitude required at work: “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” (Eph. 6:5-6) Employees are encouraged to work sincerely, as though serving the Lord directly, knowing that their ultimate reward comes from Him: “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” (Col. 3:23-24)
Special consideration is given to those serving believing masters, where mutual respect and love should prevail: “And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved.” (1 Tim. 6:2) Even in challenging situations, employees are called to endure patiently, as Christ did: “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle but also to the harsh.” (1 Pet. 2:18)
In summary, the Bible provides clear principles for employees, focusing on sincerity, humility, and a mindset of service, ultimately viewing work as part of one’s calling in Christ.
All Called To Servanthood
“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition…” (2 Tim. 2:24-26)
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God…” (1 Pet. 4:10)
“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” (2 Tim. 2:24-26)
Together, these verses emphasize that servanthood is not merely a role but a calling for all believers. It involves using our gifts responsibly and interacting with others in a spirit of love, patience, and humility, reflecting the character of Christ.
Laziness is Condemned as Foolishness
“Take a look at the ant, sluggard, see how it works, and learn from it.” (Prov. 6:6)
“How long are you going to lie down, lazy, when are you going to get up?” (Prov. 6:9)
“The sluggard’s hunger is not quenched; hardworking people have more than enough to eat.” (Prov. 13:4)
“A slothful man puts his hand in the dish, but does not bring it back to his mouth.” (Prov. 19:24)
“A sloth does not plow during the sowing season and searches for something that is not there at harvest time.” (Prov. 20:4)
“A lazy man seeks his death, because he does not want to roll up his sleeves.” (Prov. 21:25)
“The lazy man says:“ There is a lion out there! I can be killed if I venture outside!” (Prov. 22:13)
“I walked past the lazy man’s land, at the foolish man’s vineyard.” (Prov. 24:30)
Conclusion
Psychological research suggests that individuals develop stronger bonds and loyalty towards people or things they actively serve or invest effort in. In families, for example, children who do not learn to serve their parents or contribute meaningfully to household responsibilities may lack a sense of attachment and loyalty later in life. Studies on attachment theory show that secure relationships are built when children actively engage in reciprocal relationships with their caregivers, learning the value of support and service from a young age.
This principle extends beyond family dynamics. For instance, when individuals work the land or “serve the soil”, as in the example of farming, they develop a connection and sense of responsibility toward it. This bond is created through their investment of time and labor, which fosters a deeper attachment to the land. Similarly, loyalty is cultivated in relationships where people serve one another, highlighting that servanthood is essential for forming lasting, meaningful bonds.
In essence, active participation, whether in family, work, or other areas of life, fosters loyalty and strengthens emotional connections.
[1] https://www.thebutlerschool.com/the-butler-code-of-honour/
[2] Zille, Helen. Stay Woke: Go Broke. 2021.
