Together - Daily DevotionalSample

A servant heart 

This is a well known and often quoted incident from Easter week.  It is particularly illustrative of God’s perspective of leadership, authority and relationships. In Mark 10:35-45 we have the story of James and John, two of Jesus disciples who desired special places of honour at Jesus side. Instead, Jesus explains that those in authority often abuse their roles by subjugating and exploiting those for whom they are responsible and His followers should be of a different spirit.  Indeed, Jesus concludes His teaching with the fundamental point: “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” (Mark10:45). The greatest people are not those with the most servants but those who serve the most people. The word minister means to serve or run an errand and a pastor is a shepherd who would lay down his life for the flock.

Note too, that Jesus menial action washing the disciples feet was a demonstration of the “full extent of his love”. To truly love someone is not about good wishes but good deeds (James 2:14-17, 1 John 3:16-18). Let’s have the heart of a servant – not a dictator.

Prayer: Thank You Jesus that despite Your greatness You are the servant of all. May I be like You with a truly servant heart