We are told that Jesus came "in the form of a bondservant" (Philippians 2:7). But what does that mean? A bondservant is a person who is owned by someone else for a specified amount of time. They aren't a slave but they are obligated to serve. As a bondservant He lived to do His Father's will. For a time on this earth, Jesus—who is God— chose not to show His unlimited power. He came here to humbly give us an example of how to serve others. He was God, veiled in flesh.
The Servant's Heart: Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
At the Last Supper, Jesus set an example for us. He washed the feet of the disciples, a job usually performed by a servant or the host. In John 13:12-17, He tells the disciples that He has given them an example, that we should do the same as He has. Jesus explains that a servant is not greater than his master. So, we can't think we are too good to do for others what Christ Himself was willing to do. Washing someone's feet was an example of great humility. How have we humbled ourselves before others? Perhaps we feel like others should humble themselves before us?
Our Calling as Bondservants to Christ
Jesus was a bondservant to God. As His followers, this is what is expected of us. Paul, Timothy, James, Jude and Peter all refer to themselves as bondservants. They are bondservants in the sense that Jesus paid a debt for their sin by dying on the cross, a debt they can never repay. So, forever these men call themselves bondservants to our Lord. They humbled themselves and, in every respect, tried to be servants to God and others, just as Jesus was. They show complete devotion to Jesus and are completely submitted to Him, as we should be.
The Purpose of Jesus' Service and Humility
In Mark 10:45, we read why Jesus came to Earth: He came "not to be served, but to serve." He came to give His very life as a ransom for those who would believe. In this chapter, He tells the disciples that to become great you must become a servant. Our Lord tells us in Luke 18:14 that the one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who is humbled will be exalted. The word exalted here means to raise someone up in power, wealth, rank or dignity. Isaiah 66:2 says that God will bless the humble. Jesus fulfilled Isaiah 52-53 by coming to us as a suffering servant who took our sins upon Himself. He teaches us that we serve because He served.
What It Means to Serve Others as God’s People
What does it look like to be a servant of God? In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus explains who the blessed ones are. They feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and those in prison. He explains that when we do these things for the ones the world thinks are unimportant, it was as if we are doing it to Him.
Biblical Role Models of Service: Dorcas and the Good Samaritan
An example of this is the story of Dorcas (Tabitha) in Acts 9:36-43. She made "tunics and garments" for widows who lived in Joppa. When she died, there was a great outpouring of grief for this woman that we are told was "full of good works and charitable deeds". Peter, through the power of the Holy Spirit, restored her life.
In Luke 10:25-37, another example of someone who has a servant's heart is seen in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This story shows that we should love and serve not just those who love us, but even our enemies. The example of the Good Samaritan is one of love in action. He served another expecting nothing in return.
Modern-Day Example of Humility in Service: Dr. Donald Hopkins
We also have examples today of those who serve others with humility. Dr. Donald Hopkins is a Christian doctor who has made a big impact on global health, especially in poor and underserved areas. He played a key role at the Carter Center in nearly wiping out Guinea worm disease, helping to reduce cases from millions in the 1980s to only a few today. He was also involved in the fight to end smallpox and has led efforts against other diseases that are often overlooked. Driven by his faith and a desire to help others, Dr. Hopkins has made a lasting difference in public health around the world. He has accomplished so much and yet most of us have never even heard of him. He is a humble servant.
Practical Ways to Serve in Your Community
How can we serve in our communities today? There are so many ways to serve. We can volunteer at a food bank, serve in various roles in our church, give our time or money to local charities, visit nursing homes, work in prison ministries, or work with child abuse and neglect services as a volunteer. We can do simple things like check on our neighbors who don't get out much, or mow an elderly person's lawn. The list is endless. Our service should be prayerful. How does God want me to serve? Pray that He would show you.
Serving others doesn’t always mean doing big things. It can be as simple as truly listening to someone or doing a task you’d rather avoid—without complaining. Service, in reality, means giving up your whole life for God and others.
Serving with True Humility and Pure Intentions
In our service, however, we must be very careful. Who are we are doing these good things for? Do we do them to make ourselves feel better? Do we do them so people will applaud us as great Christians? Do we do them for the praises of men or for the love of God? What is our motivation? In Galatians 1:10, Paul tells us, "For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." To serve as Christ did, Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:3 that we should consider others as better than ourselves.
Embracing Humility Without Demeaning Yourself
Does this mean that we should go around belittling our abilities and trashing ourselves as worthless? Absolutely not! What Paul is saying is that we should serve the Lord with humility toward others, which gives glory to God. We all have talents and skills, but they come from God. That is something we should never forget. We should avoid false humility that seeks to glorify ourselves, and instead serve others with genuine humility.
Serving with Strength from God
1 John 3:18 reminds us that we shouldn't just talk about loving people; but we should show it in our actions and our truth. If we truly love our neighbor as ourself (Galatians 5:14), we should have no problem having the heart of a servant. Why should it be easy? Because Peter tells us, "If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ"(1 Peter 4:11, NIV). God Himself will give us the ability to serve.
The Reward of Faithful Service
At the end of our lives, we all want to hear Jesus say, "Well done good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23). Our faithful service can bring joy to us in this life, as well as in the next. Perhaps more than anything else Jesus has called us to serve, and do so with love. Are we?
Comments