Jesus Did Not Play Eeny Meeny Miny Moe

Serve. 

There’s that word again. God seems to enjoy popping it around me lately :) 

So, what exactly does biblical serving look like in our daily lives? Who should we serve?  Does serving others mean I have to wait on everyone hand and foot!?

Before we get too carried away, let’s go right to the source - Jesus’ example of serving.

Alright, ladies! Crack open those Bibles, and turn to John 13:1 - 20. Pray that God will speak to you, then take about ten minutes or so to let the words really soak in. 

In my opinion, this is one of the best examples of biblical serving. Jesus - the Almighty Holy Ruler of EVERYTHING - humbled himself and became a servant to unworthy men.  SO many aspects of serving can be gleaned from His actions, but there is one I particularly want to touch on.

When reading this with a small group at church, we noticed something we’d never seen before that gives us a little more insight as to what our attitudes in serving should be. Look at verses ten through eleven once more. 

Do you see what Jesus did? He knew who would betray him, and yet He chose to wash Judas’s feet anyway. In fact, in the following passages, ALL of his disciples end up betraying him and letting him down. Why did he still serve them? Because he wanted to show us that our service to others should be not only humble and joyful, but unbiased. 

WHOA. 

Sure, we can serve our loved ones with a happy heart, but what about that boy who always has a rude remark, or the girl who never stops complaining? Why should we serve them too?

Jesus’ dying on the cross was the greatest example of humility and service to us. He did it out of love. However, did we deserve it? Even though our enemies or those we dislike may not deserve it, Jesus shows us that we should serve others humbly and joyfully in all situations.

Does this mean we need to wait on our enemies’ every need? 

Thankfully, there is nothing in the Bible that says we must become modern-day Cinderellas. However, the Bible does say to “...Love your enemies, [and] do good to those who hate you... (Luke 6:27).” This might mean opening the door for them, or helping them with something they have to carry. Maybe it means surprising them with a hug or a kind remark when all they have to say is negative and demeaning to you. Sometimes, service is in the little things that take place behind the scenes. 

This week, I encourage you to begin serving not only your loved ones, but your...not-so-loved ones, too. Start with baby steps. Through prayer and feasting on the Word, it will become easier and easier to joyfully and humbly serve anyone. Even your enemies.

“Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service. Try to give unconditionally whatever a person needs in the moment. The point is to do something, however small, and show you care through your actions by giving your time … We are all God’s children so it is important to share His gifts. Do not worry about why problems exist in the world – just respond to people’s needs … We feel what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but that ocean would be less without that drop.” 

- Mother Teresa

SERVE, a photo by elycefeliz on Flickr.