“It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.” Matthew 10:25
What does it take to be a disciple – a follower – of Jesus? According to Jesus Himself the answer is surprisingly simple. It is “enough,” He says, “for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like this master.” Jesus’s words are rich with meaning. Don’t let them go by too quickly!
Never in the ancient world was it the goal for servants to be like their masters. Masters were important. Servants were not. Masters were powerful. Servants were not. Masters gave orders. Servants obeyed. The idea of servants becoming like masters was unthinkable.
But not only did Jesus think it possible, He made it the most important characteristic. To be like Jesus our master is “enough.” The word He uses means “sufficient for the purpose,” that is, enough to satisfy the intended goal. We find the same root word used in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you.”
Jesus came as a servant. It is, therefore, entirely sufficient to His purpose for us to become servants. A wise man once said, “Never forget that in Christ’s kingdom we are appointed to the position of servant and we are assigned work to do.” God’s leaders are servants first before they are anything else.
We may be a president or a mechanic, a mom or a policeman, a business owner or an employee. But before we are any of these things, we are servants of Jesus, and that, He tells us, is enough.
Lord, it is the desire of my heart to be a good and faithful servant. Shape my heart and my deeds to your purpose and service. Amen.
Take Action
Can you identify an area of service that the Lord is calling you to engage in more fully? Ask for His direction today to join Him in the good works He has planned for you.
Are you trying to make sense of the twists and turns on route to discovering your calling? Read Stephanie’s story.
