Serving | Spiritual PracticesSýnishorn

“Not so with you. 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.”
– Jesus (Mark 10:43-45, NIV) –

Chances are you’re reading this plan because you’re struck by the importance of serving. Maybe you want to learn more about what the Bible says about it, how it fits into the Christian life, or how to find your own path in serving the Lord by serving others. Our hope is that over the next seven days, this plan will guide you.

Serving is an important part of the Christian life. We would even consider it one of seven key practices essential to discipleship. Jesus calls us to be his disciples, and that includes serving.

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus invites people from all walks of life to follow him. These people are called disciples. The Bible teacher, Ray Vander Laan, describes discipleship in this way. He says that a disciple is not someone who merely wants to know what a teacher knows. A disciple is someone who wants to be who the teacher is. A disciple is someone pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus.

That means more than learning from him. It’s an invitation to become like him and do what he does. And that’s what serving is about. Doing what Jesus does.

But let’s get this straight right from the beginning. Being a disciple is not an advanced spiritual condition. Disciples are often inexperienced, even green. We fall far short and often mess it up. But as Jesus challenges us to become more like him, he shows us how to strengthen and grow in our faith. And that’s also what serving is about. When we serve, Jesus works in us.

The passage from Mark 10 shows us the heart of God, demonstrated in Jesus, with his invitation to be like him. In Mark 10, Jesus defines his role as one of service.

Jesus just finishes telling his disciples that in the kingdom of God, the first will be last and the last will be first. He then goes on to tell them that he himself will go up to Jerusalem and allow himself to be handed over to be condemned, mocked, and crucified. All for the sake of others. All for the sins of the world.

It’s the ultimate act of service.

How do his disciples respond? Lord, we want to be great. We want to sit with you in power and glory. Just give us what we ask!

Talk about missing the spirit of it.

It’s here that Jesus redirects them. In the world, power and authority are about having authority over others and having them serve you. But in the kingdom of God, power and authority are about serving others. Because, Jesus says, even he did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life for others.

I’m sure this wasn’t pleasant for Jesus. We shouldn’t expect serving to always be pleasant or easy. But what drives Jesus is obedience to God. Serving others is what God wants us to do. It all flows from loving others. If you love someone, you’ll help them and do what you can to make their life better, especially in times of need. Can there be anything more in the spirit of God?

Jesus came to serve. That’s your purpose, too. Becoming like Christ means serving, and serving Christ is expressed by serving others. Serving others, your church, and the needs of this world is central to what it means to be a follower of Jesus. And God will strengthen your faith through it.

Question
Serving is about being like Jesus. Today, as you read Mark 10, ask yourself where you’re putting too much focus on yourself and not enough on others. Ask God for more self-awareness in that, and for some opportunities to serve someone else.