The Ministry of Servanthood

 

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:35–45 ESV)

 

I am often surprised by some of the answers to the questions I pose to others as a means of initiating a conversation leading them to wholeness. I often ask people why did Jesus come to the earth? Most people give me the stock and trade of typical evangelical Christianity. In fact, some have even offered their answer with some bit of indignation as if I was treating them with condescension. These folks simply say, “He came to save us from our sins.” Of course, that is one of the things He did. It may even be the greatest thing He did. We would all remain in our sin and destined to eternal death had it not been for His sacrificial act on the cross. However, the Apostle John gives us another insight. He quotes Jesus saying, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV).

 

I remember another time when I asked a different question of a study group I happened to Bible?”  After several people had spoken, a young woman who happened to be a visitor to the class gave an answer that was unexpected. She said, “I think the story of the Bible centers on the story of God as a servant.” That certainly got my attention. She went on to explain, “The Bible opens with God creating the world and caring for Adam and Eve. The rest of the Bible is the story of how God put into place a plan to serve the world through his Son, Jesus.” And then she pointed out this beautiful detail: “The Bible ends with a picture of the new Jerusalem, which we are told will not need the sun or moon because God provides the light” (Revelation 21:23). From the beginning into eternity, God serves the world and all who are in it.

 

What an incredible thought. I was struck with the depth of humility in that thought. If Jesus came not to be served but to serve, how does that affect the way we live each day? How should it affect the way we live? God’s great mission is for us to serve others as He has served us! That will take us into a life that is truly abundant!