Holy Week - “A Heart to Serve”
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Take a moment to read Mark 10:45 one more time, and as you do consider the incredible heart of Jesus expressed in this one sentence. Then before you move on, ask God to reveal more of Christ’s heart to you!
Insight
As we continue to explore the heart of Jesus together this Holy Week, we come to a definitive attribute of Jesus – His heart to serve! Pause and consider that Jesus Christ, the Son of God through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together (Colossians 1:16-17), did not expect to be served by humanity, but rather Jesus served humanity by giving His life as a ransom.
That is a radical idea. An idea that is so opposite of the way we typically think. We live in a world that values power and control. It tells us to measure our worth and success by the size of our platform, how much money we make, or how many people are under us. But Jesus showed us that the picture of true greatness comes when we lay our pride and position aside. Serving others is not a chore but a privilege. It is an opportunity to show others love, concern, and compassion. Just like Jesus did!
For a second, imagine what it must have been like to be one of Jesus' disciples - to walk with Him, eat with Him, and learn from Him daily. I imagine it was an incredible experience but also a challenging one. One of the Gospels' most powerful and humbling moments is when Jesus washes His disciples' feet at the Last Supper during Holy Week. This humble act of service and love profoundly demonstrated the heart of Jesus.
In those days, washing someone's feet was reserved for the household's lowest servant. It was a job nobody wanted to do, and it was unthinkable for anyone to volunteer for this filthy task; yet Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself and took on this role. As He knelt before each of His disciples and washed their feet, consider what they must have been thinking - this was their teacher, their leader, their Lord. And yet, here He was, taking on the role of a servant.
Jesus demonstrated that true greatness comes not from power or prestige but from a willingness to serve. He showed His disciples that they should be willing to do the dirty work, humble themselves and help those around them. Jesus didn't just wash their feet to show them how humble He was. He also did it to show them what love really looks like. In John 13:14-15, Jesus says, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”
Love looks like washing one another’s feet. Love looks like serving! Not only did Jesus serve His twelve disciples, and call them to serve others. Jesus served you and me, and He calls us still today to follow His example to serve others. And when we do, we show them love. We show them JESUS!
Reflection
What thoughts or emotions come to you as you consider how Jesus loved and served you through His life, death, and resurrection?
How can you reflect Christ's example by serving and loving others today?
Prayer
God, may I never grow comfortable in my pursuit of You. Rather than look out for my good, I hope my first thought would be to serve. Transform my heart to be more like Your heart. Stretch me and mold me into Your image so that I can bring You glory. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.