As a Christian you are Christ’s disciple and you have made the decision to follow Him. Jesus Christ is your example in life. One of the important examples He left for you is the example of being a servant. Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Jesus was “in the form of God” and yet He humbled Himself to be a servant. Being a servant is a very humble position.
In His life here on earth, Jesus was a servant of God and a servant of mankind. Isaiah 42:1 “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.” This scripture describes Jesus as God’s servant. During His ministry, Jesus also served the people around Him. Many came to Him to be healed of various diseases and He healed all that came to Him. When Lazarus died, He traveled many miles to Bethany and raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus went around doing good and serving mankind. Then He gave His life for you.
One of the best examples Jesus gave of being a servant is when He met with His apostles at the last supper before His crucifixion. John 13:4-5; 12-16 “(Jesus) rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 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.’” The task of washing someone’s feet is a very lowly service. And yet, Jesus humbled Himself for this low task. He washed the disciples’ feet to give you an example of how you should serve your fellow Christian as a servant.
Jesus gave the following instruction about being a servant to others. Matthew 20:25-28 “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’” The apostle Paul made himself a servant to others to save them. 1 Corinthians 9:19 “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more.”
You also are to serve God and Jesus as your lord. Jesus made the following statement. John 12:26 “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” The apostle Paul called himself a bondservant of Christ. Romans 1:1 “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.” In the same way, James (James 1:1), Peter (2 Peter 1:1) and Jude (Jude 1) called themselves bondservants of Christ. You too should see yourself as a servant of Christ, purchased with his blood, to do as he asks you to do. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
You are to be a servant of Christ and a servant of your fellow man. While the world sees a servant as an undesirable position, Jesus Christ left you an example of being a servant to His father and a servant to mankind. Follow the example of Jesus and be a servant.