Jesus the ultimate servant
Jesus
The four gospels paint Jesus in a different light. Matthew focuses on Jesus being King. Luke focuses on Jesus being Man. John focuses on Jesus being God. And Mark focuses on Jesus being a servant. When we see the whole picture we get Jesus and Servant Man and King God. Which is your favorite? For me, my favorite is Servant.
“According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of one’s faith; if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Romans 12:6-8 HCSB
In these gifts mine is service! There is no doubt in my mind! If I had to pick a second it would be giving, service with money. All I do in life is motivated by service. At church, I am not up-front, but rather in the back on the soundboard. At work, I am willing to help coworkers get done sooner. At home, I am available to help my wife and kids with whatever they need. Even in BQTT, I do this as a service to anyone who will read it. Serving comes easy to me. How about you what gifts are so up-front in your life that there is no denying it? It was a key focus of Jesus’ ministry as well. We have been looking at all the people in Mark and how Jesus served them. He was not run over by them but he served them well.
John the Baptist was served by the voice that confirmed who Jesus was. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were served a new ministry of fishing for Jesus. The man in church with an unclean spirit was served by releasing him of that spirit. The paralytic was served forgiveness. The scribes were served a humble pie by Jesus. Matthew the tax collector was served a new job working alongside at least one who hated him but found a brotherhood that extended way beyond this world. The Pharisees were served a hard truth of reality that God does not command people to follow the rules of man, but His own. The Herodians were served along with the scribes and Pharisees. The crowd was served the Word of God from the boat by God. The 12 was served to observe Jesus for three and half years. Jesus’ family was served the reality that Jesus came to have people follow Him. And at least 14 others, which would just bore you anyway.
“Now the end of all things is near; therefore, be serious and disciplined for prayer. Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, it should be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:7-11 HCSB
Service in the life of all believers is to be expected. As is discipleship, prayer, love, hospitality, and speaking. These are all qualities that God wants to develop in the life of every Christian. My wife and I learned hospitality from our college years when we had a family open their home to all the college kids in the ministry.
The most observable act of service from Jesus was when he washed the feet of the disciples, but the most important act of service was when Jesus took upon himself the punishment of the world and the wrath of God upon Himself on the cross and was able to serve us eternal life with Him!
“We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquity of us all.”
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