24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:24 – 27)
There are many memorable events associated with the Thursday of Passover week. The Last Supper, Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, and Jesus praying in Gethsemane come to mind. A common theme in these events is the selfless love Jesus displays. Sometimes this love is displayed through service and in the passage we will consider today, Jesus emphasizes the importance of service. The story from the Gospel of Luke highlights one of the reasons why I love Jesus with a passion. He embodies humble service in a way that is so inspirational and counter-cultural that it is a constant source of conviction.
While the world is hooked on social hierarchy, special privileges for the rich, and deferential treatment for the powerful, Jesus who by right should be the most exalted, chooses to wait tables and wash feet (John 13). Jesus simply does not value people the way we typically do. He doesn’t value people based on economic status, social status, political affiliation, titles or other typical forms of demographic distinctions. He would care just as much for the poorest person afflicted with Covid-19 as he would for a prime minister. As believers, we are expected to adopt His mindset (Philippians 2: 5 – 8).
The world is desperately in need of humble service and we are God’s delegates.
Please prayerfully read the passage above and consider the question and suggestion below.
Question/Suggestion
- How are you inspired by the way Jesus demonstrated love through humble service?
- Spend some time in prayer. Examine your attitude towards service compared to Jesus’ attitude and seeks God’s direction and guidance.
April 9, 2020 at 11:41 am
Jesus’ love and humility is utterly amazing. He is about to be betrayed and crucified and yet He performs a task that not even a Jewish servant would perform. Moreover, He washes all 12 apostles’ feet; including Peter who He knew will deny him 3 times and Judas who He knew will betray home. Jesus poured His love to all as we should must try to do with humility.
April 9, 2020 at 1:02 pm
I am inspired to help the least of these and to just help where help is needed. Not in words but in deeds. Jesus had an important mission to fulfill and found time on His way to serve others. He was able to do that my making them part of His daily interactions.
I can go weeks seeing the same group of people. So I must be intentional to listen and see their needs and lay times go outside my usual path to intersect with others.
April 9, 2020 at 4:25 pm
In this world, humility is rare and sometimes seen as a weakness. I am reminded of the importance and desire is to serve with humility and to expect nothing in return. Best described as sacrificial love, demonstrated by our God
April 9, 2020 at 6:22 pm
So difficult to choose where to start in each country. Some times the money rich are very God poor, in fact we all know, money does NOT buy you happiness or life, even truer a ladder and seat in Heaven.
Treat and love each other by heartfelt trust, forget social position, colour, class, or creed or by who is looking.
I will need Jesus standing right next to me, today, now, IF I was instructed to wash a vagrants feet. I am so weak, and this makes me weep.
Today and tomorrow are too painful.
April 9, 2020 at 10:17 pm
I was inspired to see how Jesus served his disciples like the washing of the feet, a very humbling example to follow. When I became born again Christian , did I realize how fulfilling and inspiring it is to serve the Lord. Serving the Lord through the many ministries in my church here in Japan and in other countries I’ve lived became an integral part of my life. I’ve been a greeter, usher, helper in Sunday School for kids called BTH (Bonus Teaching Hour) and in summer , every year I serve as one of the teachers for 3-5 year-old kids in Vacation Bible Study (VBS). Serving the Lord is such an inspiring and a rewarding experience. To see how the kids learned about Jesus and growing each Sunday makes me happy. Waking up earlier when I am duty to do something in church is worth doing as Jesus had sacrificed so much to save me. What I’m doing to serve my God is just s little or not even comparable to what my Savior had done for me. I also serve the Lord through singing by being a member of the choir in my church here in Yokohama. When I was living in Oregon, USA I was also in the church choir. For me Serving is a sacrifice, something I do wholeheartedly because I love my God and I want to glorify Him.
April 9, 2020 at 10:35 pm
Such genuine answers.
Aurora you seem to have it together.
So glad you can do all those things.
Must be rewarding.
I am inspired by Jesus and am glad to be reminded.
I am sometimes called a doormat but that is not important.
Hopefully I will be able to serve in my church very soon too.