Jesus invites His followers to embrace the servant model He portrays and receive Kingdom rewards.
Luke 22:24 – 30
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
How many times have we heard stories, seen it in movies and TV shows about how family gatherings for meals, particularly at Christmas or weddings, descend into unpleasant events when people begin to disagree with one another. Generally, it is someone trying to demonstrate how much better they are than the other. It is so sad that this happens far too often and even in Christian homes. But it is a reflection of our fallen nature and our rebellion against God and His perfect order for this world.
For lots of people, myself included, some of my most joyous occasions have been sharing meals with family and friends. That wonderful feeling at the end of precious time spent together, where everyone has contributed in some way to either the meal, providing the venue or entertainment (usually great conversation), I think is a small taste of heaven. And indeed, Jesus shows how the Passover meal is a pattern for how we should relate to one another – no longer expecting to be served but to serve others.
The servant model that Jesus portrays is significant in God’s plan for rescuing us from our sin. In giving His life to pay the debt we owe – death, Jesus serves us in the most profound way. And through accepting His gift, we receive entry into His kingdom and all of the privileges that goes with that; ruling with Him forever. So much better than the short lived one upmanship we so often strive for in this life.
Head: Reflect on how Jesus uses a meal with His disciples to teach them the model of servanthood.
Heart: Listen to the song ‘The Servant King’ and reflect on the words exhorting you to ‘each other’s needs to prefer’. How does this make you feel?
Hands: Next time you have a meal with friends or family discuss how the meal shared by Jesus and His disciples models how we can practice serving one another.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for modelling the way we are to live, serving one another. Help us to remember that this world is but fleeting, and our true reward will be with you in your kingdom in Heaven. I pray the Holy Spirit will work in our lives, helping us to show Jesus to the world through serving one another.
A song to listen to: The Servant King
Sandra Hinrichsen
Living Church – Creek Road
