S is for Serve, Pt. 2

Jesus served with unparalleled humility. The Creator literally served His
creation. The teacher served His students. The King served His subjects.

S is for Serve, Pt. 2

"But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, 'You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.'"

(Mark 10:42-43)

Jesus defines reality, the way things truly are in our world. The world values being served, not serving. But Jesus gives this powerful word of reality for the Church in Mark 10:43: "Yet it shall not be so among you." To be great in God's eyes is to be a servant (in Greek, diakonos, a waiter).

Have you ever worked as a waiter or waitress? I have not, but I can tell that those who have this profession work hard. It is no easy task. Their job is literally to serve you. They greet you, take your order, get your food, refill your empty glasses, answer a myriad of questions, etc. I think that is one of the hardest jobs. I feel for them. I have been guilty of the following, have you? The waiter brings something to our table, only for us to ask for another favor. If I were that waiter, I would be tempted to ask, "Why didn't you ask me before I left to go on this errand for you?" I am sure with that attitude I would get great tips, right? Of course not!

Exercising authority over others and lording it over them comes naturally for all of us. We greatly prefer being served to actually serving one another. Why is that? For me, it speaks to my selfishness. I have no problem looking out for my own interests and wanting, almost expecting, others to serve me. But the example of Jesus speaks profoundly to my selfish attitude. He convicts me by His teaching and His example.

I cannot get this picture out of my mind: Jesus literally wraps a towel around His waist, kneels, and washes His disciples' feet. John 13:3-5 tells us, "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded."

The Creator literally served His creation. The teacher served His students. The King served His subjects.

Jesus served from a place of confident assurance. He knew who He was and clearly understood His mission. I think if we were more secure in who we truly are in Christ, then we would be more apt to do what He did: serve in the humblest and most menial of ways.

I believe more and more people would be attracted to Christ in us if they saw Him living through us. Serving is so rare and beautiful. Will you allow Jesus' example to motivate you to love others enough by serving them in whatever ways the Father asks you to serve? If yes, then I think you should get ready to have some wonderful Gospel conversations with those who will be interested in talking to you.