Thursday, October 20 – Matthew 20:28

“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.”

 

When a person meets a celebrity, a common comment made about the famous person is they are “down to earth.” We use this phrase to express how a person seems in touch with their surroundings and easy to talk to, despite their fame and prestige. When given the opportunity, power gets to all of us. We are drawn to make a name for ourselves or build security for those we love. If we aren’t careful, sooner or later the power of our position or the control of our wealth gets to our head.

 

Jesus was the Son of God. He was fully God and fully man. He performed miracles and had more power and ability than any of us will ever know. Yet, He was the picture of humility. He came to serve. He was more than just “down to earth.” He gave His life as a ransom for many. In Him, we learn what true service is about. It is more than our volunteer hours or the cause we rally around; it is a lifestyle of humility. It means making a daily sacrifice not to be served but to serve through His strength. This is an entirely different lens for how we view the moment, day, week, and year. This perspective asks, “Where are my opportunities to serve today and show who Jesus is?” before, “What do I need to get done today?” In Christ, we have all we need to live and serve as He has called us.

 

• Who is the best example you know of a life of service? What are they like?
• How can living a life of service be a testimony to others about who Jesus is?
• Pray and ask God to continue to transform you into His image, helping you care for the needs of others and serve them in His name and by His power.