Serve As Jesus Did

Jesus came to serve. The night Judas betrayed Jesus, Jesus gave His disciples an object lesson they wouldn’t forget. Jesus took off His outer clothes, wrapped a towel around His waist, and washed His disciples’ feet. At first Peter refused to let Jesus wash his feet. Servants normally performed the lowly, grimy job — not their Teacher.

Although Jesus deserves all the worship, gratitude, and obedience of every living being, He didn’t demand His rights when He walked on earth. Instead, the God of the universe humbled Himself, became a man, and ministered to the people He created. His service culminated in Him sacrificing Himself on the cross to buy our redemption.

By His example, Jesus showed us that no job is too menial for His followers. We too must not insist on receiving our due. In fact, leaders in God’s kingdom lead by serving others.

Mark records Jesus’ words. “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45).

Serving, as Jesus did, means humbly and willingly doing whatever needs doing. Without thought of recognition or personal gain, a follower of Jesus serves in order to show God’s love.

The opportunities to demonstrate God’s love are endless. By lowering yourself to do whatever it takes, your deeds elevate God.

God, forgive my arrogance and my need for recognition. Teach me to serve as Jesus served. May the world see your love through me. Amen.

Go Deeper — Think of a practical way that you can serve someone you know and make a plan to do it today. Next, ask God to provide you with an opportunity to serve a stranger. Keep your eyes open for the person God puts in your path for you to serve.