Opportunities to serve are all around us. However, most of the time, we are so focused on our own responsibilities that we miss the opportunities. We may see a need but quickly turn away from it because of time constraints or a lack of desire to help others. If we linger and think about what we should or could do, we will feel guilty because we did not seek to meet the need. We make excuses that we do not have time or resources to meet the need, and this appeases our conscience. Everyone around us is doing the same thing, so we brush off those feelings and move on to the next full day of activities of our own choosing, with no eternal value. They are selfish desires that are fun and make us feel good for the moment. While the things we are doing are not sinful, neglecting to serve others is. Jesus was the greatest servant of all, and He should be our example as to how we live our lives.
In Matthew 20:27-28, we see Jesus as a servant. In verse 27, the chief, or highest positioned person, is to become the servant of all. This is what Jesus did. He came to serve. In verse 28, the word minister means servant. In Matthew 23:11, the greatest becomes the servant. These verses command us to serve; it is not a voluntary position. Christianity is the only system in the world where the greater you become, the closer you get to God, the more you serve. The higher you get, the lower you stoop. Jesus stooped down to wash His disciples’ feet. We are also commanded to do that.
Matthew 20:27 “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 23:11 “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
Some elements of serving that Jesus taught by example are compassion, humility, and love. We are to exhibit all three, and they are to grow as we grow closer to Christ.
In Matthew 14:14, Jesus sees the multitude of people who were following Him and has compassion on them, healing their sick. In Mark 8:2, Jesus looks out as the day was ending and sees the huge multitude of people. They are hungry, and He would not send them away as the disciples suggested. He had compassion on them and fed them so they would have the strength to journey home. In Mark 6:34, He has compassion on the crowd because they were like sheep without a shepherd. They had no one to teach them and guide them. They should have had leaders such as their priests to lead them to the truth of the gospel, but the priests and Jewish leaders were proud and corrupt. They had no desire to help the ordinary people. Jesus sees their need and meets it. Jesus healed, fed, and taught them. These teach us that servanthood requires action and obedience.
Matthew 14:14 “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
Mark 8:2 “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:”
Mark 6:34 “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.”
We see Jesus as our example —how do we put this into practice? First of all, we must become selfless as we are taught in Philippians 2:3-8. He humbled Himself, saw our need, and loved us enough to lay down His life to meet it.
Philippians 2:3-8 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Every day, we need to live with our eyes wide open. When we see a need, do not turn away and act as if it is someone else’s responsibility. Instead, think of how you can help. The greatest need anyone has is the need for salvation. All this requires is that we share our story of faith. You do not need to know the answers to all the questions they might ask. Tell them how you came to know Jesus, and if they need more than you have to give, take them to your pastor. It may be that you need to meet a physical need to gain their attention; if so, do what you can.
Look around at your church. What needs to be done to help the body of believers function better? Whatever it is, if you are capable, it is your duty to help. For us to ignore opportunities to serve is a sin. God brings things into our view so that we can make a difference in the kingdom. Look around and get busy as a servant of Jesus Christ.
