Are You Ready to be Served or to Serve?

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘The other nations have rulers. You know that those rulers love to show their power over the people, and their important leaders love to use all their authority. But it should not be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. Whoever wants to become the first among you must serve all of you like a slave. In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.’” – Mark 10:42-45

Serving can be difficult. Who wants to serve since it is not always a glamorous job? But it is what Jesus told His followers to do. Jesus did not want His followers to think too highly of themselves as some did. James and John asked Jesus if they could have the same position in heaven with Him (Mark 10:37). They asked Him this being unaware of the suffering and pain Jesus would have to endure to receive this high position in heaven (Mark 10:28). However, out of kindness, Jesus told them if they want to be great in His Kingdom then it can only be done by serving.

Jesus himself mentioned that He did not come to earth to be served but to serve. Therefore, we are to serve as well. The greatest act of serving is done by serving others by following in Jesus’ footsteps (John 12:26). Having the desire to serve others takes humility and removes the desire to be greater than others out of our hearts, like Jesus told His followers:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant” (Mark 10: 43).

We can learn from Jesus on how to serve others. He served God as a humble servant by being obedient and suffering on the cross for the sins of people. It was God’s plan for Jesus to give His life as a ransom for many. Jesus also served others through other ways. Some ways include washing the disciples’ feet, healing, teaching, and ministering the gospel (John 13:5-10). He showed the perfect example of lowly service. It is amazing to see how Jesus humbled Himself while on the earth as a servant and so should we.

Prayer of the day,

Dear heavenly Father,

Help us to serve You like Jesus did. We want to because it is a way to show others that we are Your people. Give us the desire to serve You in our hearts since what we do reflects Your glory. We want to honor You by serving others which can include teaching, sharing the gospel, loving people who are mean and praying for them. We are grateful to serve You in any way we can. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!