“I came to serve and not to be served”  by Pastor Daniel

Introduction
We have just entered the month where we celebrate our church anniversary.  This would be our 12th anniversary, 12 years of seeing God’s faithfulness, God’s grace, God’s provision, God’s blessings, God’s leading and many others.

As we celebrate this year, I am focused on what Jesus said, “I came to serve and not to be served.”  Such a powerful statement that our Lord made.  His whole life is about serving others though He ought to be served by all of us.

If there is a vision of the Lord placed in his life – this is probably one of the strong aspect of it.  He came to serve.

Service does not undermine Status
Service seems like a bad word today.  Only the lowly serve the superior or those in authority.  How many of us would boldly say that they like being in a position where they can serve?  I believe not many would subscribe to that.  We rather have someone serve us.  We like the place of authority and recognition.
This was not something new – it happened in the days of Jesus as well, despite the economy being run by slaves.  Even the disciples were found arguing very often as to who is the greatest of them all.  To be in the place of greatness is something we all covet.  It is simple nice to be served.

On that note, Jesus has to correct them when James and John, his disciples were eyeing the place of honour to sit at the right and left hand sides of Jesus in heaven.  Jesus said in Mark 10:42-45, “And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus corrected them that greatness is view differently from heaven’s perspective.  It is not about status – to feel that one must be in power and position but it is all about service.  And then Jesus gave his example that he came not be to served but to serve.

To serve does not damage one’s image at all as even the Son of Man, Jesus himself, the Lord of lords, and the King of kings could still stoop to serve.  If we are worry over our status when we serve, we got it all wrong.  This is the example of our Lord – He came to serve

Service does not undermine Security
With the example of the Lord, he further personified it when at the last supper, he wrapped himself with a towel, took a basin of water and began washing the disciples’ feet.  Then he said, John 13:15, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”

We all know this act so well and even mimic this act is washing one another’s feet during the passion week.  It is a good act but lesson is a lesson of the heart.  The willingness to stoop to service.  The point of this story is seen in the light of who Jesus is.  At this point, he has already declared that all authority has been given to given and then he made his move.

Think about this – if you have been given all authority in Malaysia – what do you think you will do?  I can imagine what many would do, including myself.  Acquire a big house, have a nice car with a chauffeur thrown in, have a fleet of servants in the house and issues commands all the time.  Afterall, I have all authority. 

But Jesus uses his authority so differently.  He could have done all of the above on a greater intensity but he did not.  He knew that nothing will shake his security.  Perhaps our unwillingness to serve is a question of our insecurity.  So that is what Jesus did.  Today, I do have authority – I am a child of God afterall, I am secured with a destiny of hope and heaven ahead – so what do I do?  Jesus made it plain – “you should also do just as I have done to you.”

Conclusion
May we enter a new year of the church, having complete a  full circle according to the Chinese calendar to rise up in service.  Be of service to another brother or sister in Christ.  Be of service to the world.  May our service all be ultimately be UNTO THE LORD.