What Jesus teaches about Servanthood
Introduction
Do you yearn for a meaningful and fruitful Christian life? One of the principles Jesus taught relentlessly was that of servanthood. Throughout His ministry, He emphasized serving others as a vital characteristic of true discipleship. Jesus didn’t just talk about servanthood, He lived it, setting an example for us to follow. Are you ready to understand more about the heart of Jesus and delve deeper into the concept of servanthood?
This devotional is designed to help you grasp this key teaching of servanthood, and how it can revolutionize your relationship with God and people. The journey towards becoming a real servant might not be smooth, but the end result will be an enriching and satisfying spiritual life.
Bible Verse
Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV) “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 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.”
Meaning
Jesus teaches us that in His kingdom, the path to greatness is not through ruling over others, but by serving them. He uses the words ‘servant’ and ‘slave’ which were very low positions in society to explain the expectation He has from His followers.
This message is countercultural. Society often glorifies those in power and authority but Jesus is saying those who wish to be truly great must be willing to serve others. Further, He embodied this principle by washing the disciples’ feet and ultimately giving His life as a ransom for humanity. His life was the epitome of sacrificial service and serves as an example for us.
Actions to Take
- Actively pursue opportunities to serve others in your day-to-day life.
- When you do serve, check your intentions. Is it out of love or the expectation of reward?
- Model Jesus’s humility and sacrificial love to those you serve.
- Learn to receive service from others graciously, understanding that allowing others to serve us is also an act of love.
- Reflect daily on Jesus’s example of servanthood and ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to live out this teaching.
Journal Prompts
- How can you follow the example of Jesus in serving others around you?
- In which situations do you find it most challenging to serve others?
- What does serving others teach you about the heart of Jesus?
- How can sacrificial love and service draw you closer to God?
- How has this understanding of Jesus’s servanthood reshaped your concept of greatness?
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the example of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve. Help me to emulate His love and humility by seeking out ways to serve the people around me. Guide me as I strive to become a true servant in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Social Posts
- “The greatest among you will be your servant. Matthew 23:11 #Servanthood #FollowJesus”
- “To be like Jesus, we must learn to serve. #Servanthood #ChristianLiving”
- “Discover the joy of servanthood in the example of Jesus. #ServeOthers #ChristianLife”
- “Power and greatness in the Kingdom of God is shown through service. #BibleTruth #Servanthood”
- “Humility leads to greatness. Embrace the path of a servant. #LiveLikeJesus #Servanthood”
Conclusion
Servanthood might sound daunting, but it’s an integral part of following Jesus. The principle of servanthood redefines greatness and power, steering us away from self-centered ambition and towards love-driven service. Embracing this principle, just like Jesus, will not only bring satisfaction and blessing to your life, but draw you closer to God.
We invite you to continue discovering more life-changing truths from the Bible with us at BGodInspired.com. May your life be enriched as you cultivate a heart of love and service, walking in the footsteps of Jesus.
Do you want to know more about what Jesus teaches about ANY topic? Then try our What Jesus Teaches GPT. This is a great modern-day companion – simply search any topic and see what Jesus has to say about it.