The 5 Ways of JESUS: 5 Days to Knowing Jesus BetterSample

THE WAY OF THE SERVANT

Matthew 20:28 says, “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” Instead of using people, Jesus served people. His mission was to serve others and give his life away. He spent his time doing kind acts, relieving people’s burdens and bringing joy.

He knew many may have a different picture of what a servant was like, so he showed a three-dimensional picture of what a servant really is. He wanted us to clearly understand serving. At the Last Supper, Jesus knew he was about to walk a road of great suffering. He was soon to leave earth, so he left a clear picture of serving.

Jesus kneels in front of his disciples and washes their feet. This was the job of the lowliest of servants. In ancient times, people wore sandals or nothing at all. There were no shoes that covered their feet. The streets they walked on were not paved they were dirt, and there was more than just dirt. Animal dung, garbage, and anything else that people throw away could end up in the street.

To wash someone’s feet meant encountering a whole lot of filth. It was a disgusting job that no one wanted to do. Jesus served out of love not duty. Duty is drudgery but service with love is joy. Jesus shows us the picture of a servant who loves people and wants to serve them.

Imagine Jesus on that night. He knew the next day he would experience injustice. He knew he would be tortured. He knew he would be crucified on a cross and endure horrendous suffering. He could have thought of his own comfort. He could have asked the disciples to take care of him for that one night. But instead, he served them and gave an example of service. In a moment of great stress, he chose to serve in a great way.

There was no spotlight on Jesus that night. He didn’t look for acclaim or recognition. When we serve, no one may notice. Servants aren’t showy. The word in the Bible for servant means to stoop down. Jesus illustrates serving by stooping down to lift them up. Humility is recognizing who we are and how great God is. We are to serve with a humble heart so that God gets the attention and the glory.

Is God calling you to serve? Is there a need you can meet? Maybe you have been on the sidelines and it’s time to get into the game. Look around and see where there might be a need for you to meet or see what others are doing and come alongside them to help. Serve like Jesus.