Lesson 54 – The Servant

Text: John 13:12-17 KJV  So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?  (13)  Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.  (14)  If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.  (15)  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.  (16)  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.  (17)  If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Intro:

Jesus could have come to earth in the form of a King. During his earthly ministry, his disciples encouraged him to establish his kingdom upon the earth. And while Peter was defending Jesus in the garden, Jesus reminded him that he could call a legion of angels to rescue him if that were God’s will. Rather than create any earthly name or image, Jesus took on the role of a servant.

Philippians 2:5-8 KJV  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  (6)  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  (7)  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  (8)  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

At the Passover meal, Jesus took on the role of the lowest servant and washed the disciple’s feet. He told the disciples that his identity of a servant was done to serve as an example for them. In that sacred moment he told them that happiness was not found in elevating ourselves. Rather, true happiness is found in the life of a servant. We are to follow in the footsteps of our Lord and humbly wear the title and bear the responsibilities of a servant. May our reputation be like that of our Lord’s; a faithful servant.

1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Humility of a Servant:

A servant is a person who performs domestic duties for another person and attends to the personal needs of others. In any regard, a servant puts the needs and desires of everyone above their own. Being a servant is more than acts of service, it is a lifestyle. Daily taking on responsibilities that others may be unwilling to do. To do so requires that we possess a great deal of humility.

1 Peter 5:5-6 KJV  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  (6)  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Being a true servant necessitates pure motives. A person can serve for a short time without truly being a servant. However, without humility those with ambitious ideas will soon be discovered. A humble servant does not feel that they are not the one who should be performing any task. Servants joyfully work to fulfill any of the lowest tasks and yet will not strive to be above those lowly duties.

Luke 17:10 KJV  So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Ministering Servant:

A ministering servant elevates the needs of others above their own. In today’s self-crazed world, the work of a ministering servant seems to be a lost art. Sadly, this behavior is even common in the church. Our prayers are directed toward our own benefit and we only connect with others who we can profit from. Jesus didn’t look for those who he could benefit from, he looked for those he could serve.

Mark 10:42-45 KJV  But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.  (43)  But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:  (44)  And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.  (45)  For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

This idea of ministering as a servant to others was one of the main tenants of Paul’s writings to the early church. It’s easy to fall into the behavior of looking out for our own lives and neglecting those who are around us. Being self-focused will lead to depression and anxiety; or worse, self-worship. We must guard against seeking after our own personal gain and become ministering servants.

1 Corinthians 10:24 KJV  Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

A ministering servant is not the one who provides the needs for everyone they are serving. A ministering servant simply puts everyone else before themselves. When they pray, they are praying for others. When they fast, they are fasting for God’s power to be demonstrated in the lives of those they are serving. When everyone else is demanding a lofty title, they reach for no other title than that of servant. Their motive is not so that men will somehow recognize their service and reward them. They gladly serve and understand that it is God who will reward them.

Colossians 3:23-24 KJV  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;  (24)  Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Hebrews 6:10 KJV  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Jesus said that a true servant does what they do in secret. And those who serve in this way will be rewarded openly. But if we are serving hoping that someone will see and promote us, then being seen by others is our reward.[1] Rather than being noticed and promoted by men, may men see a servant in us and notice our God.[2]

Conclusion:

Matthew 25:23 KJV  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Anyone can temporarily serve. Jesus said the reward is for those who are faithful servants. Despite whatever capacity we serve in God’s kingdom, may we strive to be last. Desiring that the benefits and blessings of God be first upon those we serve.