September 24 | Week 4: Life Together
Jesus Came With A Serving Heart
Mark 10:42-45
42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
A Serving Heart Is A SLAVE Of All
1. How does the world define greatness? How does Jesus flip it upside down?
The “world” (meaning, those who are not part of God’s Kingdom) defines greatness in a myriad of ways. However, Christ teaches us that having a “high rank” or a “leadership” position is not what makes someone “great.” Contextually, the passage speaks about how “Gentile” (non-believers) that are considered “great” lord it over others and exercise authority. Therefore, this is how “the world” recognized greatness – by someone having the power to command others to execute their will. Furthermore, a person’s “greatness” could be measured by how many people serve them. Jesus Christ teaches us actual “greatness” is the exact opposite – we are made great by being a “slave of all“!
I Am Here With The Soul Purpose Of Serving
2. What did Jesus himself come to do (v. 45)?
Jesus Christ did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Therefore, why am I still here – on this plane of existence? Why haven’t I just perished and been put to rest to wait for the resurrection and my own ascension? (1 Corinthians 15:51-54, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18) Understandably, I know this sounds like a grim perspective. However, I must imitate Jesus and continually remind myself if I am following in his footsteps then the only reason I am here as well is to serve and be “slave of all”! (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
Remember, Sunday Is Church “Service“
3. Do you come to church mostly to be served, or to serve?
I have learned that I need to come to church to serve. God has reminded me when I’ve drifted from that. Thankfully, this mindset has been “drilled” into me. However, I have two challenges I must keep aware of in this stage of my walk. Firstly, I must maintain my zeal in serving and do whatever I do with all my heart as if serving Jesus, my King, himself! (Colossians 3:23) Secondly, God calls me to continually grow and mature in everything – including how I serve! (2 Peter 1:5-11)
Mind The Gap Instead Of Find The Fault
4. How can you be like Jesus and serve His Kingdom this week?
If I am mature, I will not find faults and then merely talk about them. Instead, I’ll demonstrate maturity by serving to fill each gap God reveals to me! Specifically, I can help with song leading, AV, and the internet ministry.
Wash One Another’s Feet
John 13:12-17
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
1. What job did Jesus, their leader, take on? Whose job was it normally?
Jesus took the job of washing all the guests feet which the lowest servant in the household is assigned.
Follow Jesus’ Example And Serve Disciples
2. What is he teaching his disciples to do?
Jesus is teaching his disciples to be servants and to serve one another in humility. Obviously, we need to be willing to get our hands dirty, so to speak, when we serve each other!
3. What is the promise at the end of verse 17? Notice it is tied to doing, not just knowing.
The promise in verse 17 is that I will be blessed if I serve (take action) other disciples like Jesus did. “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)
Serve One Another Humbly, In Love
Galatians 5:13
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
1. What are we told not to use our freedom for?
The scriptures tell me to not use my freedom to indulge in my flesh (pleasure). Interestingly, I must make this practical and ask myself what I am doing with my “free” time and “my” disposable income? Honestly, If I actually examined my use of time and money what would the those details demonstrate I use them for?
Freedom In Christ Should Inspire A Serving Heart
2. How are we told to use it instead?
I am to use my freedom in Christ to serve other disciples “humbly” and “in love“. Therefore, I must not have any personal agenda nor seek some kind of recognition or praise – that would not be humble. Additionally, I must not serve with an expecation of favor, payback, or special treatment of some kind – that would not be actual love. Furthermore, when I serve, it must not be to guilt-trip or obligate – for this would be neither humbly nor with love! Our motive must be love and our dispisition one of humility in our service to one another!
How Can I Serve?
APPLICATION: A serving heart looks for the job nobody else wants. This week, do one act of service that no one will see or thank you for. Do it as if you were washing feet for Jesus himself.
I will add this prayer to my prayer list today.
Father, please help me see the opportunities you provide for me to serve others and give me the strength and wisdom to serve as if washing your feet and not for any praise from men!
