Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Jesus gave us an example of how to live, He said in Mark 10:43 “whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all”. That’s the way He lived and that is what He asks of us. Before you get too upset, there is some good news. Even in our serving, especially in our serving, He is serving us. How? You ask. It is by empowering and equipping us so that He is actually serving in us and through us. Like the famous quote from Augustine, “Lord, command what you will but give what you command”. So whatever field He calls us to serve in He is already there; going before us, working in us, and working through us. Here is how John Piper describes this work of God.
“Here is a general truth to ponder and believe: every time Jesus commands something for us to do, it is his way of telling us how he wants to serve us. Let me say it another way: the path of obedience is the place where Christ meets us as our servant to carry our burdens and give us his power. When you become a Christian—a disciple of Jesus—you do not become his helper. He becomes your helper. You do not become his benefactor. He becomes your benefactor. You do not become his servant. He becomes your servant. Jesus does not need your help; he commands your obedience and offers his help. Christmas. He came to serve, not to be served. He came to help us do everything he calls us to do.”
What better time than at Christmas time to embrace this beautiful work of Christ. Maybe He wants to visit someone in prison, or share some kindness and give help to a homeless person. Or could it be possible He wants to minister to your neighbor or the struggling former addict in a ministry opportunity. Jesus is always looking for opportunities to serve and love the hurting. The only thing that He lacks is the hands and feet to carry out the task. He will do everything, He just needs a vessel. So keep your eyes and ears wide open this Christmas, He may be bringing one of His needy ones your way.