Serving Like Jesus

Serving Like Jesus: A Countercultural Call to Action

What do you want to be when you grow up - we emphasize leadership roles and neglect servant ones, but being a servant is necessary to being a leader, and jesus showed us that. ( Averie serving while i was sick)

The entire life of Jesus stands as a beacon of hope, compassion, and radical love that challenges what society sees as normal. Everything he did, including His way of serving was distinctly countercultural. People expected when the Messiah came he would be a great leader, and the thing is, Jesus WAS a great leader, but he didn’t necessarily fit the mold of what society deems is a great leader.

Jesus Christ showed us the essence of what servant leadership is in a manner that was profoundly countercultural to the societal norms of His time. In the Roman world, power, status, and authority were equated with dominance and control. and to be fair, the world hasn’t changed much, when we look at leadership today these values are still what the world values, but Jesus turned these conventional expectations on their head. He taught that true greatness comes not from being served, but from serving others. This radical approach is exemplified in His actions and teachings throughout the Gospels. For instance, during the Last Supper, rather than assuming the position of honor, Jesus took on the role of a servant by washing His disciples' feet—a task typically reserved for the lowest servant in a household. This act was not just a demonstration of humility but a powerful illustration of His leadership style. By performing this menial task, Jesus conveyed that leadership is rooted in service and sacrifice, urging His followers to adopt a similar mindset. His teachings frequently emphasized the importance of loving one’s neighbor and even one’s enemies, which stood in stark contrast to the prevailing attitudes of retribution and social hierarchy. Jesus’ parables often depicted the marginalized and the disenfranchised as the true recipients of God’s kingdom, challenging the cultural norms that prioritized wealth and social status. For example, the Good Samaritan parable highlighted how a despised outsider acted with compassion and mercy, illustrating that true neighborliness goes beyond ethnic and social boundaries. Jesus also redefined the concept of authority; where leaders of His era often wielded power for personal gain, Jesus demonstrated that authority should be exercised through servanthood. His life was a testament to the idea that leadership is not about exerting control but about empowering others. This philosophy was radical, particularly in a time when Roman authority was characterized by oppression and brutality. Jesus consistently associated with those deemed outcasts—tax collectors, sinners, and the sick—demonstrating that service is inclusive and embraces those who are often overlooked. His healing miracles served not only to alleviate physical suffering but also to restore dignity and community to those marginalized by society. In doing so, Jesus challenged the cultural stigmas surrounding illness and sin, offering a new perspective that emphasized compassion over condemnation. Furthermore, His teachings on servanthood were rooted in His identity as the Son of God, who came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. This radical reorientation of power dynamics was a revolutionary concept, flipping the script on the traditional views of leadership and authority. Jesus’ approach to leadership was not only countercultural in His time but continues to resonate today as a model for ethical leadership. He calls for a profound transformation of the heart, urging individuals to reject self-serving ambitions and to embrace a life dedicated to the service of others. This vision of leadership, rooted in love, humility, and sacrifice, invites followers to embody these principles in their own lives, fostering communities that reflect the values of justice, compassion, and equality. Ultimately, Jesus’ legacy as a servant leader serves as a timeless reminder that true influence comes not from power, but from selfless service to others, a principle that remains radically countercultural in any age.

In this sermon, we’re going to look at three three main points that highlight how we can embody this radical service in our own lives: Serving with Humility, Serving with Compassion, and Serving with Intentionality.

We will emphasize that our role is to serve others genuinely, without any motive or intention to change them, but allowing the Holy Spirit to do that work in their hearts.

Serving with Humility

When we look at the way Jesus served others, it is easy to see how it was characterized by a profound humility. In a world that values power, prestige, and position, Jesus’ whole life was spent as an example of the opposite of those things. When we consider that he is the actual Son of God, this should stand out to us. If anyone has ever had a reason not to be humble, it would be Jesus. He was there at the moment of creation, he was equal with God the Father, His coming had been foretold for thousands of years, people had hoped and prayed and longed for his arrival as the Messiah, the wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. But his life was not marked with the fanfare and prominence we would expect .

Philippians 2:5–8 NLT

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

In these verses, Paul encourages us to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: This scripture encapsulates the essence of humility. Jesus, though divine, chose to serve and sacrifice Himself for our sake.

If anyone had the right to be proud and wield power and prestige, it was Jesus, being the literal Son of God. He could have easily asserted His divine authority, demanded respect, and positioned Himself above others. Yet, remarkably, He chose the path of humility instead. Rather than living in a palace or surrounding Himself with opulence, Jesus lived simply and served those around Him. He didn’t come to be exalted but to uplift others, showing compassion to the marginalized and engaging with society’s outcasts. He, the Son of God, washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:1-5), a task reserved for the lowest servant in the household. This act was not only a demonstration of His humility but also a teaching moment for His followers. His willingness to wash His disciples’ feet and share meals with sinners illustrated that true greatness lies not in status but in selfless service.

By embodying humility, Jesus shattered the expectations of a powerful leader, teaching us that real influence comes from love, empathy, and a genuine desire to serve others, setting an example for us to follow.

When we serve with humility, we shift the focus from ourselves to those we are serving. We should seek to lift others up rather than elevate our own status. This can be particularly countercultural in a society that is increasingly individualistic and self-promoting. Our call is to embrace a posture of humility, recognizing that every person we encounter is worthy of love and respect.

Christian service, when modeled after the example of Christ, calls us to serve ALL people, not just those who are easy to serve or those we find we are comfortable engaging with. Jesus broke societal barriers by reaching out to the marginalized, the outcasts, and even those who opposed Him, demonstrating that true love and compassion knows no bounds. For us, this means that true service involves stepping out of our comfort zones to help those who may be overlooked or rejected by society, such as the homeless, the addict, the criminal, the sick, or the foreigner. True service with humility challenges us to embrace the difficult and the uncomfortable, mirroring Jesus’ radical approach to love and acceptance. And by doing this, by serving everyone as we are called to do, we reflect the unconditional love of Jesus and foster a sense of community o and belonging that transcends the divisions society tries to impose on us and ultimately fulfill His command to love our neighbor as ourselves.

**Practical Application:**

To serve with humility, consider volunteering in roles that may not bring you recognition or glory. It could be helping at a local shelter, participating in community clean-ups, or simply being present for a friend in need. These acts of service, done quietly and without fanfare, reflect the heart of Jesus. 

Serving with Compassion

Jesus’ ministry was marked by deep compassion for the marginalized, the broken, and the lost. He didn’t just serve; He saw the humanity in every individual, understanding their struggles and pain. In Matthew 9:36, we read that Jesus “saw the crowds, and he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” 

Moreover, in John 13:12–15, after washing the disciples' feet, Jesus asked them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” This act of washing feet was not merely a physical service but a profound demonstration of love and compassion, teaching His disciples to care for one another in the same way.

Compassion is more than just feeling sorry for someone; it is a call to action.

It compels us to engage with those who are suffering, to walk alongside them in their struggles. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the needs of those around us. Yet, Jesus teaches us to slow down, look around, and recognize the needs of others.

This is countercultural because society often encourages us to prioritize our own agendas, to climb the social ladder, and to focus on our own success. However, Jesus invites us to flip that narrative. When we serve with compassion, we open ourselves up to the stories and experiences of others. We become conduits of God’s love and grace, reflecting His heart for humanity.

Showing compassion like Jesus did involves recognizing our shared humanity and the inherent struggles that come with it. Jesus displayed deep empathy for those who suffered, whether it was through healing the sick, comforting the grieving, or welcoming the outcast. When we approach others with a mindset of compassion, we acknowledge that

There but for the grace of God, go I

we could easily find ourselves in similar situations. This humility drives us to treat everyone with kindness and understanding, regardless of their circumstances. It reminds us that we are all flawed and in need of grace, which should inspire us to offer support and love to those who are struggling. By embracing this perspective, we not only honor the teachings of Christ but also create a more compassionate world, where we uplift one another and recognize that we are all on this journey together, deserving of mercy and support.

So when we view others with compassion, when we look at others who are struggling and in difficult situations, we don’t see ourselves as better than them, we don’t look for how they are to blame for their circumstance, instead we recognize that any person, any one of us could find ourselves in the same difficult or unfortunate circumstance were it not for the unearned favor and mercy of God. Serving with compassion means that we understand that our own situations, successes or well-being are not solely the result of our actions and choices, but are influenced by external factors, including grace. when we take this perspective, it encourages humility, compassion, and empathy towards others, particularly those who are struggling as it acknowledges that we are all susceptible to life’s challenges and we recognize that there but for the grace of God, go I.

**Practical Application:**

To cultivate compassion in your life, seek to understand the stories behind the faces you encounter. Volunteer with organizations that serve marginalized groups, or simply take time to listen to someone’s story. Show empathy and understanding, and let that compassion drive your actions. 

Serving with Intentionality

Jesus was intentional in His service. He didn’t serve just for the sake of serving; His actions were deliberate, aimed at revealing the Kingdom of God. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and engaged with outcasts, always with a purpose. 

Jesus served with intentionality, a quality that is profoundly evident throughout His ministry and interactions with others. His actions were never random or haphazard; instead, they were deeply purposeful, reflecting a clear understanding of His mission to bring love, healing, and redemption to humanity. Every miracle He performed, every lesson He taught, and every person He engaged with was a deliberate choice aimed at fulfilling the greater purpose of God's Kingdom. For instance, His decision to spend time with the marginalized, such as lepers, sinners, and the poor, was intentional in that it challenged societal norms and highlighted the inherent worth of every individual. Jesus wasn’t just reacting to circumstances; He was proactively engaging in the lives of those who needed compassion and hope. His intentionality is also evident in His teachings, where He often used parables to convey deep spiritual truths, ensuring that His message was accessible and relatable to His audience. Moreover, Jesus prioritized prayer and time with the Father, showing that His service was rooted in divine connection and guidance. This intentional approach serves as a powerful model for us today, urging us to serve with purpose and awareness. It challenges us to consider who we are called to reach and how we can effectively meet the needs of others in a meaningful way. By serving with intentionality, we reflect the heart of Christ, acknowledging that our actions can have a impact on the lives of those around us. This mindset encourages us to look beyond surface-level interactions and to engage in deeper, more transformative ways, ultimately leading to a more compassionate and connected community where everyone feels valued and loved.

In our modern context, serving can sometimes become a checkbox on our to-do list. We may feel obligated to help others, but that doesn’t always translate into effective or meaningful service. Jesus calls us to serve with intention, considering how our actions can lead to deeper relationships and spiritual growth.

Serving others should never be merely a box to check off on our Christian to-do list. Instead, it should be a way of life that mirrors the intentional, purpose-driven service modeled by Jesus. When we serve like Christ, it is not about fulfilling an obligation or earning spiritual brownie points. Rather, it is about wholeheartedly embracing the call to love our neighbors as ourselves and to put the needs of others before our own.

Jesus' example teaches us that true service is not just about the outward actions we perform, but the heart posture and mindset that motivates them.

He served with a deep understanding of his divine purpose and a profound compassion for the marginalized and hurting. Whether healing the sick, dining with outcasts, or offering forgiveness to his persecutors, Jesus' service flowed from an unwavering commitment to the Kingdom of God and a genuine desire to bring restoration and redemption to a broken world. If we are to follow in his footsteps, our acts of service must be rooted in that same intentionality – a recognition that we have been called to be the hands and feet of Christ, to seek and serve the least of these with the same radical love and grace that Jesus embodied. Only then will our service truly transform lives and communities, reflecting the kingdom values that Jesus came to establish on earth.

It’s also important to remember that our purpose in serving is not to change others but to love them as they are. We often fall into the trap of wanting to “fix” people or change their behavior. And then, when behavior doesn’t change we lose heart in the service, but we have to remember, our call is to serve as Jesus served, the business of changing people is His job. Our role is to be a reflection of Christ’s love and let the Holy Spirit work in their hearts. Romans 12:2 encourages us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It is the Holy Spirit who brings about genuine change, not our efforts to manipulate or control.

**Practical Application:**

Identify areas in your life where you can serve with intentionality. Whether it’s through mentoring, teaching, or simply being present for someone, think about how you can build genuine relationships. Remember that the goal is not to change others but to love and serve them, leaving the transformation to God.

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**Conclusion**

As we reflect on the life of Jesus and His radical approach to serving, we are reminded of our calling to serve with humility, compassion, and intentionality. This is a countercultural stance that challenges the norms of our society, urging us to focus on the needs of others rather than our own desires for recognition or control.

Let us embrace the mindset of a servant, ready to wash the feet of those around us, to listen to their stories, and to engage with their struggles. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus and embody His love in a world that desperately needs it.

As we go forth, may we remember that our role is to serve and love, allowing the Holy Spirit to do the work of changing hearts. Together, let us commit to serving like Jesus, transforming our communities one act of love at a time. Amen.