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“Serve – Part 2”
Serve – Part 2
Wade Wester
Jesus is at the heart of true Christianity. He was a servant, and if we as Christians are going to be like Him, then we are going to have to be servants too. In the first part of this study, we noticed the mind and the mission of Jesus were all about service. In this installment, we are going to notice two more things that show that Jesus to be a servant.
The Message of Jesus
The message of Christ was also a message of service. The disciples often argued about who would be the greatest. On one such occasion (Mark 9:30- 35), Jesus asked them what they were disputing, and they remain silent out of embarrassment. Jesus then said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” This is the message of Christ: to be great, one must serve. James and John asked Jesus to grant them the seats at His right and left in His glory (Mark 10:35-45). Jesus responded by teaching them about true greatness. He says, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Jesus exemplifies this by stating, “Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus’ message was clear: greatness in the kingdom of God is measured by service. This is counter to the world’s view of greatness, which often involves being served and lording power over others. Jesus flips this notion on its head, teaching that true greatness is found in humility and service.
The Model of Jesus
Finally, the model of Jesus was one of service. In John 13, we find Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. This act, performed on the night before His crucifixion, exemplified His teaching on service. Jesus, knowing that His hour had come, rose from supper, laid aside His garments, took a towel, and began to wash His disciples’ feet. Peter, initially resistant, ultimately submits to Jesus’ act of service. Jesus explains, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:15-16).Peter never forgot this lesson. Years later he wrote, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:5-6). Peter understood that to follow Jesus is to be a servant, clothed with humility. Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet contrasted starkly with Pilate’s act of washing his hands to absolve himself of responsibility for Jesus’ crucifixion. While Pilate sought to evade service and responsibility, Jesus embraced it fully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the word “serve” encapsulates the mind, mission, message, and model of Jesus Christ. To be a Christian is to be a servant, following in the footsteps of Jesus. As we strive to embody this key word of Christianity, let us remember that true greatness is found in humility and service. May we, like Jesus, be willing to serve others, putting their needs above our own, and thus fulfill the desire for us as His disciples.
