Be A Servant

This devotional considers Luke 22:24-30 and Matthew 25:31-46. Also, Lamentations 3:22-23.

But I am among you as one who serves. Jesus said these word to his disciples at the Last Supper to help them understand who he wanted them to be. They had been arguing among themselves about who was the greatest. And Jesus told them that the world has a way of operating that he does not want them to adopt. The way the kingdom of God works is that the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.

Jesus also said to them, You are those who have stood by me in my trials. Imagine having the opportunity to stand by the Lord, to be his friend when people were trying to kill him before his time, when people maligned his name, when people only wanted to see his miracles and didn’t want to know him, when he grieved over the death of his friend, Lazarus. The disciples were with him, prayed with him, were obedient in all Jesus’ comings and goings. 

We were not there physically, but we are not left without opportunity to do as the disciples did. Jesus explained at another time, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. When we bless others, we bless the Lord. When we take care of others, it is as if we’re taking care of the Lord himself. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Where is Jesus in need today?

Lord, help us to see you in our neighbors. Help us to pursue a life that prioritizes service, love, compassion as you do for us. Every day, you meet us in your faithfulness. You, Lord and Maker, have never stopped serving us.

Because of your great love we are not consumed, for your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Help us today to be as you are.

Amen.