Focal Passage: Luke 22:19-30
Many years ago I remember sitting around the dinner table eating fried chicken that my mom had cooked. Normally, my mom was the last to sit down before we prayed.
On this particular occasion, my mom stayed standing while we prayed. After we prayed all the kids reached for the chicken leaving only a couple of pieces. I noticed after we prayed my mom started making a sandwich.
Looking back now I realized what she was doing. Even though she prepared the meal and even though she had more right to eat the chicken than any of us kids she chose to deny herself and allow us to have a second serving of that delicious chicken.
Do you know someone who has modeled a life of a servant? Jesus said that the greatest among us is not the one who reclines at the table but the one who serves (Luke 22:27).
Unlike our culture, which defines greatest in terms of possessions and position, Jesus defines greatest by serving others. He said, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves” (Luke 22:25-26 ESV).
Jesus is the ultimate example of a servant. He gave His life that we could enjoy the full pleasure of knowing God.
How much more then should we, in our everyday lives, seek to honor Him by serving others? We may not know it, but people notice if we have a servant’s heart. Our actions serve as a reflection or distraction to the glorious gospel. If you intend to be great in God’s kingdom it must come through serving others.
For 42 years now I have watched my mom serve our family and the church. In my estimation, when it comes to serving others, there has been no greater reflection of Christ than my mom. Will others say that about you? More importantly, will Christ say that about you?