Serving sounds like subordination. Jesus makes it the sign of true greatness: He washes His disciples' feet and says He came to serve. Here you will find 20 Bible verses about serving.
Jesus, the Servant
Jesus as our example.
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For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as ransom for many.
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But among you it shall not be so. But whoever wants to be great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wants to be chief among you shall be your slave.
Mark 10:43-44
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For who is greater: He who sits at table or He who serves? Is it not He who sits at table? But I am among you as a servant.
Luke 22:27
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Then He rose from the supper, laid aside His garments, took a towel, and girded Himself. Then He poured water into a basin, and stooping down, began to wash His disciples' feet, and drying them with the towel with which He was girded.
John 13:4-5
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So now I, your LORD and Master, having washed your feet, you also shall wash one another's feet. I have given you an example, that you may do as I have done to you.
John 13:14-15HumilityLeadership
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But He humbled Himself and took the form of a servant, becoming like men, and being found in appearance as a man.
Philippians 2:7
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For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as ransom for many.
Matthew 20:28
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Behold, this is my servant, whom I have chosen, and my elect, in whom My soul delights. I have given Him My Spirit; he shall bring judgment to the Gentiles.
Isaiah 42:1
Serving One Another
Serving in everyday life.
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But you, beloved brethren, are called to liberty! Only take heed that liberty do not become a means to yield to the flesh; but by love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13FreedomSelfishness
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And serve one another, each with the gift which he has received, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10VolunteeringGifts
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Be not slothful in your work; be fervent in spirit; be zealous in the spirit of the LORD.
Romans 12:11Volunteering
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Whatever you do, do heartily, as to the LORD and not to men; knowing that you shall receive from the LORD the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the LORD Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24WorkVolunteering
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Let your heart think that you serve the LORD and not men.
Ephesians 6:7
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And the King shall answer and say to them: Surely I say unto you, Whatsoever ye have done to one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done unto Me.
Matthew 25:40VolunteeringLove for neighbors
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He that will serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall my servant also be. And he that will serve Me, My Father shall honor.
John 12:26Discipleship
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The greatest among you shall be your servant.
Matthew 23:11Leadership
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But if you will not serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve: the gods whom your fathers served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But I and my house will serve the LORD.
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Fear ye only the LORD, and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; for ye have seen what great things He does among you.
1 Samuel 12:24
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For God is not unjust, that He should forget your work and the labour of love which ye have shown toward His name, in that ye have served the saints, and still serve.
Hebrews 6:10VolunteeringRecognition
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Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His face with rejoicing!
Psalm 100:2Singing
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
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Serving as True Greatness
The disciples argue about who among them is the greatest. Jesus answers: “But whoever wants to be great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43) – and illustrates it with Himself: “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). At the last supper He rises, lays aside His outer garment, takes a towel, and washes His disciples' feet – the task of a slave (John 13:4-5). Then He says: “I have given you an example, that you may do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).
Serving in Everyday Life
Serving is not a special task for full-time workers. Paul writes: “By love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). This can happen at work, in the family, in the neighborhood, or in the church. Jesus says that whatever you do to one of the least of these, you have done to Him (Matthew 25:40). And Hebrews 6:10 promises that God does not forget any service. Find out more about Bible verses for volunteers, Bible verses about humility, and Bible verses about spiritual gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mark 10:45 mean?
Jesus says that He did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life for many. He thus becomes the example of a life of service.
What does the foot washing mean?
In John 13, Jesus washes His disciples' feet – the work of a slave – and thus gives them an example of humble, loving service.
