We are in a series entitled, "Life. Death. Victory: The Jesus Story." We have posted about Forgiveness. Humility. Thankfulness. And finally, service. Toward the end of our Lord’s earthly ministry, two disciples from his “inner circle,” James and John, asked that they be given special seats of honor in the kingdom of heaven. In response, Jesus reminded them—and us, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 ESV).
I wonder if as they heard those words, James and John remembered the story Jesus told in answer to a man who wanted to justify himself and the way he was living his life. You may remember it: A man gets beaten and robbed by thieves on the roadside.
Two clergy pass by, indifferent to the victim’s plight. A hated Samaritan stops, binds up the victim’s wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays whatever expenses the man had already incurred—and leaves an IOU for those he might incur! (Luke 10:30–35). This is service at its humblest and finest. To show kindness to a presumed enemy is not only admirable; it is Christlike.
We could focus, of course, on dozens or even hundreds more characteristics of our Savior’s ministry. All of that, together with everything we have remembered today, from Jesus’ birth to his resurrection, his ascension, and all that is yet to come in eternity—all of it is the Jesus Story.
Jesus means his story to be our story, too. When Jesus calls individuals to follow him as disciples, he asks nothing of them that he himself has not already done or said. In Philippians 2:5–8, the apostle Paul describes Jesus’ humility and comments on our response to it:
Jesus means his story to be our story, too. When Jesus calls individuals to follow him as disciples, he asks nothing of them that he himself has not already done or said. In Philippians 2:5–8, the apostle Paul describes Jesus’ humility and comments on our response to it:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
Have You Raised Your Hands to Serve God?
In what ways are you serving in God's Kingdom? In a one-line statement, shout out your ministry or what you'd like to do if you're not currently serving.
From the CTA Inc. Ressurection Series, Life. Death. Victory
We invite you to join our bible study discussions in the group Route 66 on the Jesus Saves Social Network.
What are some requirements for serving God?
ReplyDelete1.A willing heart and reverent awe of God - "Serve the Lord with reverent fear; and rejoice with trembling." Psalm 2:11
2.A desire to please God and walk in His ways - "I will keep a protective eye on the godly, so they may dwell with me in safety. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me." Psalm 101:8.
3.Loyalty to God - "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24.
4.A desire to be led by the Holy Spirit - "We have been released from the law, for we died with Christ, and we are no longer captive to its power. Now we can really serve God, not in the old way by obeying the letter of the llaw, but in the new way, by the Spirit." Romans 7:6.
5.Humility - I have done the Lord's work humbly - yes, and with tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews." Acts 20:19.
6.Love for Others - You have been called to live in freedom - not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13.