Jesus taught the apostles that they should imitate him by serving each other humbly.

Luke 22:24-30

24 The apostles began to argue among themselves, saying, “Which one of us will be the greatest when Jesus becomes king?” 25 So Jesus said to them, “The kings of the non-Jews enjoy showing that they are powerful. Yet they give themselves the title, ‘ones who help the people.’ 26 But you should not be like them! Instead, those who want God to consider them the greatest should act as though they were the youngest, since the youngest are expected to serve the older ones. Whoever is a leader should be one who serves the others. 27 Keep in mind who is the most important one [RHQ]. It is certainly the one who just sits at the table, not [RHQ] those who serve the meal. But I, your leader, have been an example for you by serving you while I have been among you.

28 You are the ones who have stayed with me during all my troubles. 29 So now, just like my Father has appointed me to rule as a king, I am appointing you 30 so that you can sit and eat and rule [MET] with me when I become king. You will sit on thrones to judge the people of the twelve tribes of Israel.”