King of the Hill

Start with a contest by dividing the group into teams of 3 or 4 members each. Give each team a package of cups and ask them to stack the cups as high as they can. They have one or two minutes to complete the challenge. The team with the highest stack wins.

Follow up with some questions:

• Was it easier to complete the task with one person leading and others following?
• Which cup stacking strategy worked best?
• How did teamwork affect this challenge?

Read the Gospel:

Mark 10:35-45 (Jesus teaches servant leadership) – the Gospel Reading for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B

[James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?”

They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”

Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”

They said to him, “We can.”

Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.]

Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt.

But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.

For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:35-45

We all have a natural tendency to want to be “King of the Hill.” We like knowing we are doing better than those around us. It feels like a sign of success. For example, we might want the best grade in our class, the most wins on our chess team, or the most goals on our soccer team. Sometimes, it might even extend to wanting a bigger house or a nicer car than our friends. There are many ways we compare ourselves to others and try to come out on top.

In today’s Gospel, James and John show this desire to get ahead. They ask Jesus for special positions in His Kingdom, wanting to sit at His right and left hand. These were spots of honor and power, showing everyone that they were important. They were thinking about prestige and status, just like we might when we try to be the best or have the most.

But Jesus has a different message for us. He tells us that in the Kingdom of God, there is only one at the top, and that is His Father. Jesus Himself lived a life of service and obedience to God. He didn’t seek to be served or to take the highest position. Instead, He served others, even washing His disciples’ feet. Jesus is teaching us that being His disciple means living a life of service and humility, not chasing after power or recognition.

This way of living is called “servant leadership.” It’s a type of leadership that focuses on serving others rather than being served. The traits of a servant leader include empathy, listening, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and building community. If we think about these traits, we can see how Jesus lived them out. He always put others first, cared for those in need, and guided His followers with love and compassion.

This is quite different from many leaders we see today, whether in music, films, or politics. Often, these leaders seem more interested in their own success and fame than in serving others. But as Christians, we are called to a different kind of leadership. We are called to be servant leaders, following Jesus’ example by putting others first and seeking the common good.

In our lives, we can practice servant leadership by being empathetic and understanding, listening to others, and using our talents to help those around us. This might not always make us the “King of the Hill” in the world’s eyes, but it is the path to true greatness in God’s Kingdom. Being a servant leader means being willing to serve, to put others before ourselves, and to live out our faith in action. This is the type of leadership Jesus calls us to practice, and it’s the leadership that can truly make a difference in the world.

After exploring the concept of servant leadership, it’s time to reflect and discuss how these ideas apply to our daily lives. Break into small groups and take turns sharing your thoughts. Use the questions below to guide your discussion. Be open and honest, and remember that everyone’s perspective is valuable.

• What does being a servant leader mean to you?
• How does this differ from other types of leadership you see in the world?
• Can you think of a time when you acted as a servant leader? What did you do, and how did it feel?
• Have you seen someone else act as a servant leader? How did their actions impact you or others?
• What challenges might you face in trying to be a servant leader? How can you overcome these challenges?
• In what areas of your life do you think you can improve in being a servant leader?
• How can you practice servant leadership at school, home, or in your community?
• What small actions can you take this week to serve others and show leadership?
• How does Jesus’ example of servant leadership inspire you?
• How can the teachings of the Church guide you in becoming a better servant leader?

After discussing these questions, each group will share a key takeaway or insight from their conversation with the larger group. This will help us all learn from each other and see how we can apply the principles of servant leadership in our lives. Remember, being a servant leader is about making a positive impact and serving others with love and humility.

This week, take some time to identify a specific area in your life where you can practice servant leadership. This could be in an official leadership role, like being a team captain or a club officer. In these roles, look for opportunities to support your teammates or club members, helping them succeed and feel valued.

For example, you could take extra time to help a teammate improve a skill, or ensure that everyone feels included in group activities. Servant leadership is about putting the needs of others first, so think about how you can use your position to benefit those around you.

If you’re not in an official leadership role, consider other areas where you can still make a difference. At home, you might help out more with chores or spend time with a sibling who needs support. At school, you could assist a classmate who is struggling with an assignment or befriend someone who seems lonely.

The key is to choose an action that serves others, especially when you might prefer to do something else. By consciously choosing to help and support those around you, you demonstrate the principles of servant leadership and grow in your ability to lead with empathy and compassion.

To conclude your time together, gather as a group and pray the Humility Prayer or the Litany of Humility. These prayers ask God to help us grow in humility, to see the value in serving others, and to lead with love and compassion. They are powerful reminders of the importance of putting others first and following Jesus’ example of servant leadership. As you pray, reflect on the ways you can be more humble and serve those around you with a joyful heart.

Themes for the Lesson Plan on Servant Leadership

• Humility and Service: Jesus taught that a servant leader serves others with humility. He showed that greatness comes from putting others’ needs first. This is a core part of Catholic teaching.
• Love in Action: A servant leader acts out of love. They show kindness and compassion to everyone. This reflects Jesus’ command to love one another.
• Sacrifice for Others: Catholic teaching emphasizes sacrifice. A servant leader is willing to give up their own comfort to help others. This mirrors Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
• Empathy and Compassion: Being a servant leader means understanding others’ feelings. Catholic teaching encourages us to be empathetic. This helps us to be compassionate and supportive.
• Building Community: Servant leaders work to create a strong, caring community. Catholic teaching values the common good. It stresses that we are all part of the Body of Christ.
• Listening to Others: A key trait of a servant leader is listening. Catholic teaching stresses the importance of hearing others’ voices. This helps us to understand and serve better.
• Stewardship of Gifts: Servant leaders use their talents to help others. Catholic teaching encourages us to be good stewards. We are called to use our gifts for the benefit of the community.
• Promoting Justice: Catholic teaching emphasizes social justice. A servant leader works for fairness and equality. They stand up for the marginalized and oppressed.
• Role of Obedience: Jesus was obedient to God’s will. Servant leaders follow this example by being obedient to God’s teachings. Catholic teaching values this as a form of humility and trust.
• Commitment to Growth: A servant leader helps others grow in faith and character. Catholic teaching encourages spiritual and personal growth. This includes helping others to live out their faith.
• Forgiveness and Mercy: Servant leaders practice forgiveness and mercy. Catholic teaching emphasizes these qualities as key to healthy relationships. They help build a loving and understanding community.

Background Material on Servant Leadership in Catholic Teaching

Servant leadership is a core concept in Catholic teaching, rooted deeply in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The idea of leading by serving others is a central theme in the Gospels. Jesus Himself provided the ultimate example of servant leadership. In Mark 10:45, Jesus says, “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This verse highlights the essence of servant leadership, showing that true leadership is about self-sacrifice and putting others first.

In the Catholic Church, servant leadership is not just about personal humility but also about a commitment to the well-being of others. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches that every person has a duty to contribute to the common good. It states, “Everyone should look upon his neighbor (without any exception) as ‘another self,’ above all bearing in mind his life and the means necessary for living it with dignity” (CCC 1931). This means that a servant leader recognizes the dignity of every person and works to promote their good.

The Church also draws on the teachings of St. Paul to emphasize this idea. In Philippians 2:3-4, St. Paul advises, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This passage encourages Christians to adopt a servant’s heart, prioritizing others’ needs and well-being above their own.

The concept of servant leadership also aligns with the Catholic understanding of stewardship. Stewardship in the Church means managing God’s gifts responsibly. According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Stewards of God’s gifts are not passive beneficiaries. We cooperate with God in our own redemption and in the redemption of others.” A servant leader, therefore, is someone who actively uses their talents and resources to serve others, seeing their role as a way to cooperate with God’s plan.

Another important aspect of servant leadership in Catholic teaching is the call to build a just and compassionate society. This is seen in the Church’s emphasis on social justice and the preferential option for the poor. The Church teaches that true leadership involves advocating for the marginalized and working towards a society that reflects God’s love and justice. As Pope Francis has often said, leaders should have “the smell of the sheep,” meaning they should be close to those they serve, understanding their struggles and joys.

In summary, servant leadership in Catholic teaching is about following Jesus’ example of humility, service, and love. It involves recognizing the dignity of every person, using our gifts to serve others, and working towards a just society. The Church calls all Christians to be servant leaders, living out their faith through acts of service and compassion. By doing so, we follow Christ’s command to love one another and build up the Body of Christ.

Music Suggestions for the Lesson Plan on Servant Leadership

• The Servant King
• Glorify Him by Your Life
• We Are Called to Serve

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

For more free lesson plans and reflections on Servant Leadership, visit our website at our free lesson plans page. We offer resources for teachers, youth ministers, and catechists to help young people grow in faith and leadership. Explore our site to find materials that will inspire and guide your students in learning to serve like Jesus.