To Be A Servant

“And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

I remember a simple comment by Reverend Ligon Duncan: “Everyone wants to be called a servant until they are treated like one.” Jesus commands us to wear the title and bear the trouble. However, I know my readers (for the most part), and I know that I need not define what a “servant” is nor what their role is. Therefore, let me highlight two practical aspects of this passage.

First, Jesus tells us to be “last” and “servant.” Instead of define what Jesus means, let me describe what Jesus means. The one who embodies this passage fixes everyone else’s plate first and their own last. They turn on the lights when they arrive and turn them off as they leave. They carry in everyone’s casserole dish at church dinners and take the trash out. They spend their time asking of others and hearing other’s stories instead of sharing their own. They don’t dominate the conversation nor assert their right to be heard. And most of all, they are not offended when someone forgets to acknowledge their efforts or say, “Thank you.” Their reward isn’t in earthly recognition, but in a heavenly return.

Second, Jesus tells us to be these things “of all.” Herein lies the rub, doesn’t it? Being a servant is one thing, but we tend to be servants on selective duty. We want to serve “some” – typically, the people we like, the people who can return the favor, the people who have doted on us. When this happens, we must ask an important question. Who is the boss here? Jesus plainly says, “be servants of all.” “All” means “all.” We can hold no one at arm’s length, nor can be withhold our faithful service to any man. We serve, not based on their worth, but based on our Master’s word. Who are the people that you refuse to serve? Who are the people you pray never ask for your help? Who makes you sigh when their name appears on your caller ID? Who do you make snide comments about when they leave? Let be said plainly: Christ asks nothing of us that He did not do Himself. Our faithful service extends as far as Christ’s service. Need I remind us how far it reached? It went even to rebellious, disobedient, unworthy sinner as ourselves. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.” (Rom. 5:7, 10)

Tell me: are you willing to be called a servant and treated like one for Christ’s sake?