Opening Game
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?
Scripture Reading
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.”
Discussion
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.
Small Group Reflection Questions
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.
Challenge
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.
Prayer
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.
More Resources
More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections
For more resources, see https://young-catholics.com/12073/lesson-plan-servant-leadership/