29Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. 32Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” (Matthew 15:29 – 32)
Yesterday we considered the first of three concepts that can help us maintain the right focus when we serve others. Today, we consider the second concept: Seeing things the way Jesus does.
Seeing Things the Way Jesus Does
If we are going to serve others in a way that gives God glory I am convinced that we have to see the world the way Jesus sees it. I suspect that I speak for many of us when I say that in our most cynical moments we see all beggars as scam artists, we see those down on their luck as lazy, and we see appeals for help as unnecessary intrusions into our ordered existence. Sometimes our assessments might be right but I wonder how many times we get things wrong and miss the opportunity to serve. Jesus sees the world through eyes of love and compassion. There are so many stories in the Bible that illustrate His passion for people. So, the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 2:6 to have the same mindset as Jesus, and then goes on in verse 7 to say that Jesus took on the very nature of a servant.
Please prayerfully read the passage above, paying particular attention to how Jesus viewed the crowd, and then answer the question below.
Question:
How well tuned are you to the needs of those around you – do you have the mindset of a servant?
April 2, 2019 at 12:45 pm
My honest response would be no. Most of the time I dismiss the opportunity to serve because of my own yardstick of worthiness or my busyness. Even as I was reading this I considered that Jesus knew the hearts and could discern who truly needed help and I don’t have that insight. But I am thankful for the Holy Spirit who quickly convicted me that Jesus was fully aware of Judas’ plan and that of the mob and yet served them and me with the ultimate sacrifice. He didn’t call me to measure but to serve.
I am to be wise and serve and let God work out the rest.
April 2, 2019 at 2:51 pm
Much as i would like to say Yes, I’ll say ‘Sometimes’.
It’s very easy to serve when we have all the details, know that at the long-run it’ll benefit us in a way and when the person(s) we want to render the service to is an acquaintance but that’s not always the case. Sometimes we put into focus our future needs/wants/desires and surmise that those are more important than the present help people need from us.
But with today’s word, am going to put in prayer for God’s help to serve unbiased and as one who has the heart of Christ.
P.S
Today’s my son’s 7th birthday.
Please pray that he (and every other Christian child) grows to be a Vessel of Honor for God and truly understand and walk in the way of Christ.
April 2, 2019 at 3:37 pm
Congratulations on your son’s birthday Sarah! Let him know that a big group from around the world says Happy Birthday and that we are praying for him.
April 2, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Important birthday those 7 years😀
With your guidance he will be.
Yes I have some discernment but I sometimes judge so even though I serve I can do more.
I know my married name and my appearance give people the wrong idea of my position in life but I try my best to help if not financially but by being able to listen to other people’s problems.
I share my food once you are in my house or I offer to those who are alone and depressed.
By the way Norman I found a wonderful Bible study group at my church at Calvary.
Very warm welcome.
April 2, 2019 at 8:41 pm
That’s great news regarding the Bible study group Yasmin. Blessings!
April 2, 2019 at 9:41 pm
Although the mind set of a servant, a fruit of the Spirit, to give God the glory to be able to give & in giving, not expecting any reciprocation. I have found out that God’s blessings can be very unexpected.
I recall giving a household helper money for her 2 children to get school uniforms, books, taxi fare etc. It meant denying one of my sons academic extra lessons as I could not afford both. Within 2 days afterwards, my son’s school principal, out of the blue, said, ‘ I just feel like giving your son extra lessons, at no cost’.’ I was shocked, as I had told no one, except the helper that I was helping her.
On another occasion, while living in Jamaica, I lent my car to the heper’s husband for a month, while his was being repaired (as he needed a vehicle for his job). Some weeks afterwards was the gas riots in Jamaica.
On approaching, in my car, (as I had to drive there to get home to my children), the men by the burning tires blocking the road), I was easily allowed to pass, as one of the men said, ‘ let her pass, we know the car’.
However, I had given another helper many household items as she had a fire at her home. After she left, I realized she had stolen my camera & only gold chain. I needed to be discerning.
To always reflect Jesus in my actions is absolutely important. I dont always achieve it and keep praying for deeper faith, mercy & wisdom.
April 5, 2019 at 9:32 am
To me serving the Lord is one way to show gratefulness and appreciation of God’s gift of salvation to me. Jesus died on the cross to redeem me and give me life, so serving Him is one thing I can do to glorify Him. I serve as greeter/ usher during the first service in my church here in Japan. I help in teaching kids at Sunday School, as well as singing in the choir. I believe all these glorify the Lord. I know God gave us gifts/talents to use and to serve Him. This awareness gives me motivation to please the Lord by serving Him not only on Sundays but as well as in some activities of my church ministries like being involved in vacation bible study every summer as helper, or leader, joining ministry work in places around Japan. Whatever I think I can contribute to help in the ministry, I’m willing to do with all my heart. Also, I feel when I’m in Japan, the more I can help in sharing the gospel& serve the Lord through many ministries of my church because of less diplomatic duties as compared to when I’m living/ posted abroad. Even by just inviting my non believer friends from gym to church or bible study group class will glorify the Lord. My wish for those who don’t know the Lord is for them to realize one day how beautiful life is, if it is centered on Christ.