25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28, New International Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context:
Our commentators yesterday presented some of the significant challenges encountered when we serve those who appear not be deserving. Thank you for your contributions! Your transparency is engaging and your commitment to seek to follow Jesus’ instructions despite challenges is inspiring.
As we wrap up our consideration of the discipline of Service we consider the importance of this discipline in God’s economy. Service is highly esteemed by Jesus. This high esteem makes the practice worthy of rejoicing and thanksgiving.
Bible Passages:
Our Bible passage today, encapsulates the connection between greatness and service. Jesus’ life mission was to serve, and he calls us to greatness by calling us to that same mission. Note that Jesus does not define greatness the way the world does.
Please study the passage and consider the question below.
Question:
Considering the biblical significance of service, how can we better celebrate the discipline in our daily lives individually and as a Christian community?
Please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
March 22, 2023 at 6:31 am
In my daily life it’s important for me to serve at home, specifically my husband. It could be as small as preparing his soda just how he like it or praying for him.
In the Christian community I have opportunities to serve as a greeter at church and even in this season to contribute candy for upcoming Easter events.
March 22, 2023 at 7:00 am
My daily service mostly entails taking care of my immediate family needs which could vary from meals, to chauffeuring, to listening to mental health challenges. On many occasion it extends to my broader family, and close friends. Serving is one of my love languages ( if you can call it that). In this season while we have workers in our home my pleasure is ensuring that they’re fed everyday they’re on my job. My service in a community presently has been limited since the pandemic.
March 22, 2023 at 10:27 am
In our home or to our loved ones are areas in our lives where expressing the discipline of service should be the norm.
Volunteering time for different causes in our church, kid’s school, and community events are also areas where we can serve.
I like to help those in need whenever I can. I have realized that I am so busy with what I do each day, I don’t give my time as much as I used to, or want to. These devotionals on service have prompted me to make the time to serve more. No excuses.
March 22, 2023 at 12:24 pm
My service along with my close friend Maureen is working, praying and serving our widows, especially recent widows, helping them to cope and know what to expect with their grief. I also serve my family and extended family in many ways from helping them with updating their business accounts to baby sitting great nieces and nephews. I thank Jesus every day for life and for giving me the gifts to help others.
March 22, 2023 at 7:12 pm
First my service is to the Lord. By way of serving him daily, I’m acknowledging all gifts rendered to me, those gifts are my family, friends, body of Christ (Church family) and the community and work place I was put into by God. Everything I have is from the Lord. My purpose of existence is to serve and glorify God, so whatever I do for my family, friends, work place, community is my service to God. When I was in Japan, I used to be a greeter, helper at Sunday school for kids and especially on VBS. In my current church I serve at kids ministry especially at VBS in sumner time. Every week , I serve by taking turns to lead the prayer and devotional time of the prayer ministry at the church I attend here in Houston, TX. When someone is sick or let’s say had major surgery or illness in my church or my friend is sick, I always volunteer to be a part of the food train ministry. In serving God through others, I always reflect on the verse in Colossians 3:23 , “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for human masters..”
March 22, 2023 at 11:38 pm
I served at church in kids ministry but not for long as voila my 3rd grandson appeared 3 months ago after thexl 2nd who is only 2yesrs,3 mths
So please correct me if I am wrong but I think God would have me help my daughter manage with a toddler and baby??
March 23, 2023 at 9:33 pm
Yasmin – your support for your family is a great act of service, and importantly, God knows your heart. Thanks for sharing!