The Art of Serving

The art of serving. When Jesus bust the bubble of James and John who wanted a special seat in the kingdom Jesus take the time to teach the disciples about real leadership. Many today thinks leadership is just barking orders to people and expecting them to get it done. Many will aspire for the the glam and glory of leadership without understanding the sacrifice and toil involved.

In Chapter 10 Jesus tells his disciples that he will be delivered to the chief priest and scribes and they will condemn him to death. This is told to the disciples once again so they understand why Jesus came. They were having difficulties with is statements 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Mk 10:31). What does that mean? Is this some twist in language? how can the first be last ? how can the last be first?

That concept goes against our natural thinking! This is spiritual thinking. Jesus is actually teaching a concept of self denial. Learning to trust God for future glory when we are denied current pleasures. The man who came to him to discuss how he could make to the Kingdom was too concerned with life current benefits to give it up to inherit a kingdom position. That’s our challenge today. What are you willing to give up to make it in? Jesus told the man you lake one thing!

Jesus recognized that that a rich man would be unwilling to part from his earthly treasures in order to inherit kingdom riches. That is where faith steps in . What to come is better than whats been! It takes faith to make claims to prepared place you have never laid your eyes on. It takes faith to leave the tangible for the intangible.

So Jesus wants is disciples to concentrate on serving. Serving is the key to Kingdom entry. I remember hearing only what you do for Christ will last. Well all of that has to do with serving. He owns everything else. He is will to let us use our time at your discretion. Are you will to serve?

James and John thought serving was about position. They wanted the positions that Jesus said was not even his to give. The question still remains can we drink of the cup to attain the positions we desire?

Jesus was willing to hear their request. What do you want me to do for you? 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” (Mk 10:37–39). Dr. King preached this was the drum major instinct. Many want to be up front, be in leadership, be in positions of prominence and blindly believe that have what it takes to be in that space! Its not so.

The concept Jesus explains is in serving. Not just any type of serving but service with an understanding there is an art to serving.

First you must not lord over people.

How you lead will determine the results. Peter said in 1 Peter 5:2-3 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pe 5:2–3). When we understand this concept we will be humble. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Pe 5:5). I have learned to pretty much work with anyone. I look for the best even in the worst person. I still believe the examples we set in leadership produces the leaders you desire! Humble yourselves. Jesus said the Gentiles (The World) lords over people. He was actually referring to how the Romans ruled. As Caesar and the ones he placed in authority ruled. Jesus clearly said it shall not be so among you.

Second you have serve to achieve greatness

43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,(10:43).

Achieving greatness requires and appreciation to serve. What is serving?

diakonis the word we get from deacon means to serve. Paul said it this way 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Co 4:5). I struggle with folks who want to be in charge but don’t want to serve. I am helped the deacons here and the ministers you cant be in leadership and not serve. For two of the offices in the church ministers and deacons both have a root word of serve. Words that are similar doulos, (slave) verse 44 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. (Mk 10:44).

Use Jesus as an example.

45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk 10:45).

Heb 2:10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation (Heb 2:10).

Now Christ did not offer himself up for nothing. Titus made it clear 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Tt 2:14). We were redeemed to serve!

Yes Jesus is the example

Phil 2:7 but Jesus emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Php 2:7–11).