Servant Leadership Research Paper

Words: 405
Pages: 2

Both the Old and the New Testaments describe God's leader as a servant. The Hebrew word for leader is nagiyd. The root meaning of the word is "servanthood" which incorporates being an example to people. The
Hebrew word for king is malak or melech. The word, although quite neutral, can include the idea of ruling or reigning with a strong hand. In 1 Samuel 8:9-18, Samuel warned the Israelites about wanting a king like the nations around them had. Samuel told them that the king would take their children, goods, and harvest; he would tax and oppress them. Saul, Israel's first king, models man's idea of leadership. David, however, models
God's type, that is under a higher authority. He strives to please that authority and is submissive to it. David
…show more content…
The nagiyd is one who receives commands and direction from God and boldly announces them to the people. The shepherd in Psalm 23 exemplifies servant leadership. Numerous Scriptures and examples of servant leaders, the shepherds, are evident in the Old Testament and the following individuals exemplify servant leadership: Abraham (Genesis 22:1-18), Moses (Exodus 14:31, Numbers 12:7,8, Deuteronomy 34:5, Joshua
1:1,2,7); Joshua (Exodus 33:11, Joshua 1:1-9); Caleb (Numbers 14:24); Samuel (1 Samuel 3:9,10); David (1
Samuel 29:3, 1 Chronicles 17:17-27); Elijah (2 Kings 18:36); and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5-8; 20:2).
In the New Testament Jesus draws a sharp contrast between a hireling and a shepherd. The word hireling means "one that is hired for wages by day or by year." Most people today fit into this category; however, Jesus focused now on the motives and attitudes of the hireling. One who works solely for money to spend selfishly probably is working as a hireling. Shepherds work to provide for their families while considering their jobs as ministry. They do not work only for money or to please the boss, but to please the Lord. They