![]() ![]() ![]() It’s important to understand what this request meant. Mark’s Gospel tells the story of James and John coming to Jesus and asking to sit on His right and left when He comes into His kingdom. 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. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ![]() You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. The Son of Man did not come to be served (Mark 10:42b-45) And the Lord tells them that when they did it for “the least of these,” they did it for Him.Īdversely, the other group (goats) was turned away for not doing these things for the Lord because they hadn’t done them for others. The sheep don’t remember doing any of these things. They visited Jesus in prison, they gave Him a glass of water, they took care of Him when He was sick, etc. And Jesus gathers them around Him and congratulates them on all the wonderful things they did for Him during their life. In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus tells a story about two distinct groups of people facing God’s judgment. The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Whatever you did for the least of these (Matthew 25:40) The point here is that we’re to put others before ourselves and our reputations. No one bowed to the person who washed feet for a dinner party. Why does He say this? Because the servant class in first-century Palestine didn’t get a lot of respect. Instead, Jesus tells the disciples that the greatest among them will be servants. We shouldn’t be using our relationship with God to gain attention and respect from others. He tells his disciples not to rush to be called Rabbi, father, or instructor (Matthew 23:5-10). After pointing out that the Pharisees love being greeted respectfully in the marketplace and called Rabbi. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.ĭuring one of Jesus’ teachings, He warns against the dangers of titles. The greatest among you will be your servant. The greatest will be your servant (Matthew 23:11-12) People see these kind acts, and it turns their attention to the God the church serves. When the church serves others, it glorifies God. Here Jesus makes a direct correlation between the good that the church does and its impact on the people who see these works. Light represents the behaviors and activities that others see. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.Īt one point in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus focuses on the metaphors of salt and light. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Not only does God see and recognize our service to those in need, but He promises to reward us for them. This is exactly what the author of Proverbs says happens when you’re kind to the poor. Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. For the writer of Proverbs, withholding the good that you’re able to do is wrong. This verse is a good companion for Jesus’ call to do for others what you would want them to do for you (Luke 6:31). Do not withhold good (Proverbs 3:27)ĭo not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.Īsk yourself this question: to whom is good due? If you answered “everyone,” you’re right. Here are 15 Bible verses about Christian service. In fact, as you’ll discover from the following verses, humble service is one of the hallmarks of the kingdom of God. This is an important thing to remember because the call for Christians to shine their light is a call to be known for loving service, above and beyond the cultural norm. People all over the world, from every walk of life, are willing to make sacrifices in order to help others. Compassion and kindness are surprisingly common. ![]()
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