Tuesday, February 23, 2010

A Servant?

Jesus was described  in many different ways: a gifted teacher, a powerful prophet, a miracle worker, an epic revolutionist, even an illegitimate son. It's interesting how others can see or define you one way, and yet you may have a completely different perspective of yourself. The Bible clearly captures the impact Jesus made everywhere He went, and even today millions of people have been impacted by the life of Jesus; Savior and King! But how did Jesus define Himself?
Jesus declared Himself as the Son of God, the promised anointed Messiah; but there is one definition of Himself that is absolutely amazing... a Servant.

Matthew 20:28 Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

A king in a kingdom has both the platform and power to impact the lives of those within it's kingdom. He could decree whatever he would desire and it would become law in that land. For instance, a king may require an increase of taxes to be given in order to better himself financially, or require people to fight in battle and offer their own lives as the price to be paid. In fact, a king had many servants to serve him as a king and they would do so out of obedience and submission to their authority.

Jesus had been given the ultimate platform and surpreme power that surpassed any king, and yet He chose to lay all that aside and pick up the role of servant.

Philippians 2:1,5- 11 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!

Why did Jesus become a servant when He had the highest authority in all the world?

1. Because His Love For Humanity Compelled Him To Serve


2. Because It Was the Only Way He Could Be “among” Humanity and Accomplish All He Desired to do.

3. Although He was God, He would not ask His disciples, and us today, to do something that He wouldn’t do Himself.

4. Because He Knew That Being a Humble Servant Would Allow Him To Be Exalted

What does this mean for me today?
Is my influence found in my position?
Can I really make a difference in this life by being an 'average joe'?
If Jesus made the choice to become the greatest servant this world has ever seen... is this the road I am called to walk road in my life? 
Is more education the key to making me a success? 
Does greater wealth or popularity give me greater respect with others?
Will people accept such a concept for a life of significance? 
Am I looking to win the approval of others or am I more concerned with God's blessings for my life?
Will I choose to live my life as a servant to others or more concerned of serving myself?

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