In our weekly bulletin articles, we are in a series where we are considering ideas from Scripture
that describe the kind of ministry in which I hope to be involved. While these passages and ideas
certainly discuss the responsibilities that I have as a preacher and evangelist, they are not limited to
those who work in full-time ministry. I believe that these passages should be a part of every Christian’s
life. In last week’s bulletin article, we discussed the importance of preaching the word from 2 Timothy
4:1-4. This week, I want us to consider the importance of serving others.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, lived His life as a servant. According to Philippians 2:6-8, Jesus
Christ became a servant in His incarnation. From eternity past, Jesus was in the very form of God.
Jesus was equal to God in every way. However, Jesus did not view His equality with God as something
that He should hold on to. As a result, He emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and lived in
the likeness of men. During His incarnation, Jesus demonstrated a willingness to serve others at many
different times. One example can be found in John 13:4-5, where Jesus rose from supper, tied a towel
around His waist, poured water in a basin, and washed His disciples’ dirty feet. In that circumstance,
Jesus was performing a task meant for a slave. The ultimate way in which Jesus lived as a servant was
in His willingness to die for all humanity. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus says of Himself, “even as the Son
of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus did not
come to earth to be served by others; He came to earth to serve others, ultimately by giving His life
on the cross as a ransom payment. Jesus continues to serve us today as our faithful High Priest
(Hebrews 4:14) and advocate (1 John 2:1).
Jesus Christ is a servant. If we will live as His followers, we must be intentional about doing
the same. If we want to be great in Jesus’ kingdom, we must become servants (Matthew 20:26). If we
want to be first in Jesus’ kingdom, we must become slaves (Matthew 20:27). If we want God to exalt
us, we must humble ourselves (1 Peter 5:6). We must elevate our view of others and lower our view
of ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). There should be no task too small, person too low, or position too
inferior. Regarding serving others, I believe that John Wesley said it well: “Do all the good you can,
by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can,
to all the people you can, as long as you can.”
As we work together at Highland Heights, may we all live as servants of God, one another,
and our community. We are not here to be served. We are here to serve. Let’s make that a reality in
the way we choose to live.
-Tyler Alverson
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