Good Serving

Mark 10:41-45 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 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.”
 
YOU’VE likely seen examples of prideful leadership hurting, even destroying organizations. Many churches have gone to dust because too many people wanted to rule, and too few were willing to serve. The 12 disciples encountered such a crisis when James and John requested kingdom “power seats” next to Jesus (Mark 10:36-40). Ten men were angry at two. As Jesus had taught elsewhere: Luke 11:17 “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.” The Lord needed to unite the 12 under his mission to become effective, Jesus-like leaders. After all, they are not to follow their own purpose, they are to follow the Servant King.
   Jesus then pointedly tells them that a kingdom leader must be as a slave to his followers. How disturbed the disciples would be. They viewed their future alongside Jesus’ rule. How is it possible a slave-like heart marks a leader’s heart? Whoever heard of such a thing?
   To know Jesus meant what he said, the disciples needed only to look at their Lord’s example. Jesus didn’t teach with only good words. He taught them with his life: “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.”
   Think of this! Their beloved rabbi effectively said, “I came to seek the lost. I came to save the lost. I came to die for you. Stop fighting among yourselves and start serving those who need my salvation!” Jesus’ life is the model of a life-sacrificing, servant leader. Surely Satan smiles when we fight over who is first, unwilling to be truly Jesus-like in our relationships.
   We thank God the disciples learned their lesson. Here’s an example of the kind of churches they founded: Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.   
   How good the church is when its people serve one another under Jesus’ sacrificial love and salvation. He disciples us to use our energy and gifts to help and teach one another, so each person can experience God’s very personal presence. Our Lord has shown us how to be a servant King. The Christian life is to serve as Jesus served.