For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45
Would you like to be truly great? I am sure most of us would. But what does it mean to be truly great? Though the world seems to determine greatness by an individual’s popularity, power, wealth, or skillset, Jesus taught that one cannot become truly great unless they first become a servant (Mark 10:35-45). Worldly greatness is achieved through selfish ambition, but Kingdom greatness is found in humility. Luke 14:11 states, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Therefore, if we want to be great, we must present ourselves to the Lord as humble servants. We must submit to His will and obey His commandments. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said it was to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). This means that we cannot love God with the totality of our being and disobey His command to love our neighbors. Thus, we cannot have Christ reign as the Lord of our hearts and fail to have an authentic love for people. And one of the most fundamental ways we can express our love for our neighbors is through acts of service. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul encouraged believers to serve the world by becoming all things to all people. Every nation, tongue, and tribe are loved by God and we, as the body of Christ, are called to serve them.
Are you serving the world as the hands and feet of Jesus? Do you desire to serve God and your neighbors? The great thing about being a servant, is that you do not have to be popular, powerful, wealthy, or especially skilled to do it. You just need to be willing. Likewise, acts of service do not have to be flashy or extravagant. Many times, one of the best ways you can serve is by picking up a towel or giving someone a cup of cold water. You do not even need to travel to a foreign country as a missionary to start serving. You can start right where you are. You can serve in your community, your church, and even your home. Biblical servanthood is not meant to be a single moment in time for the Christian, but a lifestyle. A lifestyle of sharing and living out the gospel message of Christ.
Jesus showed us how to be a servant. The King of kings and Lord or lords came to the earth and served sinners. Jesus offered the rebels and those on the margins of society forgiveness. He performed miraculous signs and wonders. He offered prayer and counsel. He met physical and financial needs. He even washed the feet of sinners. But the most profound act of service was when Jesus willingly died on the cross. Isaiah 53:5 states, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” The God of the universe humbled Himself and became the suffering servant for the world. When Jesus went to the cross and gave His life as a ransom for many, He was showing us the greatest expression of love. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Thus, the cross of Christ demonstrated God’s unconditional love through sacrificial service. Are you willing to serve like Christ? Have you cultivated a servant’s heart and developed a genuine affection for people? This is what it means to be a servant. Jesus died for us. Let us live for Him. Who will you serve today?
Be like Christ. Go serve!
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