All in the serve

Last night we had another excellent ‘Redefine‘ meeting. We continued to look at our ‘We Believe‘ series and spoke about how as Christians we are called to serve God and serve others.

‘Saved people, serve people‘ was the title.

Now when I say serve, I don’t necessarily mean playing tennis, unless of course by ‘serving’ someone in a game of tennis you are indeed ‘serving’ them….Like they need some help practicing their game for an upcoming tournament.

The title of this blog post is taken from a Michael W Smith song ‘All in the serve‘. I chose it as it links nicely into the Bible passage we looked at to see what God says about serving. We read from Mark 10:35-45. Here we see James & John being very presumptuous and audacious in asking Jesus for places of honour, power & privilege in the Kingdom of God. It is as if they were not listening earlier on when Jesus spoke about the children that they had tried to stop from coming to see Him: “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Children did not have much status, rights or power in 1st Century Palestine. They were dependant on others for food, protection, shelter, etc. They were humble and in a place to receive, not demand.

It is as if James & John had completely missed the point that Jesus was trying to make. So He makes it a lot more emphatic for them: “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’“- Mark 10:42-45.

Jesus had and has every right to demand service. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and yet he takes the lowest place to serve us all. We, the underserving ones are served by the one who deserves all glory, honour & praise. Jesus so lovingly demonstrated this by washing His disciples feet at the last supper; even His betrayer ‘Judas’ has his feet washed by Jesus.

Then Jesus demonstrates His love for all of us on the cross. He dies and gives His life as a ransom for many. Serving us to the end.

So, we, His followers cannot think that we can follow Jesus and be called His disciples if we do not serve. There is no exemption for us. We are to walk in our Master’s footsteps and serve others. Not out of a mentality where we do it to earn brownie points with God, but out of a heart of love. A heart full of Jesus’ love for us, which will spur us on to love Him in return and also love those around us.

One way for us to demonstrate that love is by serving others. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2. Jesus’ law was to love one another – “‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34.

In what ways can you serve those around you this week?

How can you show Jesus’ love?

Helping put the bin out? Washing the dishes? Giving some food to the local food-bank? Giving up your seat to someone else on the bus or train?

Have a great week and look out for ‘Acts of everyday kindness‘ where you can show Jesus’ love to those who so desperately need it.

Be blessed!