February 5, 2009 Luke 22:24-30

Be Like A Servant ~Luke 22:24-30~
The apostles also began to argue about which one of them was the most important. But Jesus said to them, "The kings of the non-Jewish people rule over them, and those who have authority over others like to be called 'friends of the people.' But you must not be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the leader should be like the servant. Who is more important: the one sitting at the table or the one serving? You think the one at the table is more important, but I am like a servant among you. "You have stayed with me through my struggles. Just as my Father has given me a kingdom, I also give you a kingdom so you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

This passage is about being a servant. Just as Jesus served His twelve disciples and many others, including us because He died on the cross to wash away our sins, we need to learn to become servants. Although we may want to be the ones being served, our purpose is to serve, and by doing so, we will be receive in the Kingdom of God.

Being a member of a church also means that you are responsible for serving within the church. Whether it may be just by praying for the church, cleaning, cooking, creating/holding events, treasurer, small group leader, praise band, pastor, and etc, these are all ways of becoming servants. If we don't serve each other, who will?

In the passage, one of the verse states: "the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the leader should be like the servant." That verse says it all. The youngest/weakest, should be the one being served, and the leader/most authority, should be the one serving. We all want honor, we all want praise, we all want recognition, we all want attention, but that is not how it should be. Jesus, one whom should receive all praise and honor, laid down His life for our sake. We are called to lay down our lives, humbly, in sacrificial service to one another. "To serve is to reign with Christ."