About 700 years before Jesus was born, an amazing prophet named Isaiah lived in Israel. God gave Isaiah many prophecies about Jesus.
One of the titles for Jesus appears in Isaiah 42. God said, “Look at my servant – He is my chosen one.” (42:1)
So Jesus is the “chosen servant”. We know Jesus is God, yet the Father chose him to be a servant. What can be more amazing? If God is willing to serve so should we.
It is an honor to be a servant alongside Jesus.
Just as a farmer uses a yoke to harness two oxen or buffalo together, Jesus invites us to get into a yoke with him. When you have accepted Jesus, he does not ask you to serve alone.
Hear Jesus words:
“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden you share with me is light. (Matthew 11:29-30)
Isaiah learns more about Jesus. “I have put my Spirit upon him,” God says. (Isaiah 42:1)
The Holy Spirit walking with Jesus strengthened his desire to serve. When we accept Jesus, we naturally find we have a desire to serve.
We ask, “How do I find where I should serve?” We are all surrounded with needs. Many we cannot afford but there are many that cost us nothing other than time.
Let’s just open our eyes and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us. As Christians, serving others brings us great joy and satisfaction. This pleases God which only adds to our joy.
In God’s kingdom, the way up is down. If you are embarrassed to serve in some simple way, God will not lift you up to do greater tasks.
So imitate Jesus: he did the job of a slave by washing his disciples feet. He then said,
“You call me teacher and Lord. You are right, for that is what I am. If I, your Lord and teacher have washed your feet, you should also wash one another’s feet.” John 13:13-14
We have made feet washing into a ceremony, but Jesus had in mind a lot more than that.
Jesus simply did the normal job of a slave: to wash the guests feet when they came in off the dirty village streets. In the upper room with his disciples there were no slaves.
Jesus took on the task of washing the disciples. He modeled that there is not any of us too high or mighty to do the ordinary tasks that are a part of every day. Jesus Christ led the way, showing us how to serve.
How might we serve today? Who might we serve today?
NOTE: A Special Thanks to Art Coombes who wrote this Bible Study.
In the words of the writer of Hebrews, “Now may the God of peace… may He equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.” Hebrews 13:20 -21