Kingdom MasculinitySample

Day 3: Jesus came to serve, not be served

As men, we often find ourselves wrestling with a world that defines masculinity in ways far from the heart of God. We’re told to be strong, independent, and successful, but rarely do we hear the call to serve, to lay down our lives for others in the way that Jesus modeled. Thus far, you have been invited to explore the messages you have received about masculinity throughout your life, messages that have often shaped our actions in ways that harm others, especially the women in our lives. The consequences of following the world's script are painful and real. Wounds are left in the wake of our misguided strength, often cutting deepest into the hearts of the women and children entrusted to us. In a recent conversation, one speaker soberly noted, "Seventy percent of women’s wounds are caused by men."

It is a hard truth, but one we must have the courage to face. If we are serious about becoming the men God intended, we must first confess where we have wandered. We must own the harm we have caused, intentionally or unintentionally, and ask God to realign our hearts.

Jesus gives us the clearest example of what true masculinity looks like. He didn’t come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). He didn’t seek dominance, but humbled Himself, offering His life as a ransom for many. His strength wasn’t in controlling others or asserting His power, but in laying down His life for them. He showed us that authority is not used to crush but to lift up. Love is not weak; it is the fiercest force in all creation.

This kind of leadership requires a radical reimagining of what it means to be a man. It calls us to examine the root causes of our actions, to look past the symptoms of anger or fear, and to address the deeper wounds within us. It means understanding the spiritual battle we face, recognizing that the enemy has twisted our desires and misdirected our strength. We must confront this reality by entering into spiritual warfare, fighting against the forces of darkness that seek to distort our identity and keep us from becoming the men God intended.

But this battle is not just external; it’s internal. It’s about recalibrating our hearts, changing the way we relate to God and to others. It’s about understanding that to truly be men, we must recover parts of our story that have been broken and distorted. We must seek healing for ourselves so that we can be instruments of healing to others.

As you ponder on all this with God today, consider asking Him:

Father, show me a time in my life someone’s humility and sacrificial love had a profound impact on me. What did it reveal about true strength?

Jesus, how can I embody the servant leadership you demonstrated? Where are you inviting me to lay down false strength and take up the heart of a servant?

Holy Spirit, how does the way Jesus modeled servant leadership challenge the way I approach leadership in my home, work, or community?