Servant, Servant of God, man of Sorrows (Ebed, Pais Thou Theou, Ish Makoboth)
Jesus reversed the natural order in which it is the weak who serve the strong, by serving the weak —. Himself being the greatest. He assured His disciples that he came not to control and dominate, but to serve.
Jesus is the greatest of all God’s servants. The man of sorrows who laid down his life in obedience to His father. He is the servant who through His suffering has saved us.
Mat 20:28 The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve. He was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grieve (Isa 53.3).
Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. (Isa 52:13)
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he has no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was on him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isa 53:2 -5)
The Israelites were not considered God’s slaves, they were considered His servants, freely putting His interest before their own, confident of His care and protection. To be God’s servant involved living with an attitude of dependence and obedience.
The Servant Songs in Isaiah (42:1-4; 49:1 – 7; 50:4 – 9; 52:13 – 53:12) all speak of a mysterious Servant who would bring justice to the nations. Through his suffering this Man of Sorrows would redeem many.
By becoming one of us, Jesus suffered both with and for us. He was the Servant (Ebed) par excellence, the Servant of God (Pais Thou Theou), who not only obeyed God but obeyed to the point of death.
Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them to the end.
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.After that he pours water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. (John 13:1 -5)
- Remove outer garment è next day stripped of His clothing.
- Water He poured into the basis to cleanse them è next day His blood poured out to cleanse them.
- Jesus acted the part of a slave by washing their feet è He was executed as a slave. (crucifixion was reserved for subjugated peoples and slaves)
- He gave his life è not grudgingly but gladly.
- He stripped Himself of power so that a deeper power could be at work reversing the deadly effects of sin.
So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said to them, Know you what I have done to you?
You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am.If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one other’s feet.For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Truly, truly, I say to you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.If you know these things, happy are you if you do them. (John 13:12 – 17)
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.As His people, we are to follow His example, remembering His words that “the greatest among you will be your servant”.
Jesus’ words make particular sense in light of the fact that in ancient times, a servant’s status was directly related to the status of his master. To be servant of the king of kings, then, is the greatest of privileges. The word “minister” – derived from a Latin word and the word “deacon” derived from a Greek word, both mean “servant”.
Although Jesus doesn’t call us His servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing—He calls us His friends, for all things He heard from the Father He makes known to us; and He calls us His friends if we do whatever He commands us (John 15:14 – 15).
Our heart’s attitude should always be like a servant – to serve God and everyone else in the love of Jesus Christ our Master and Lord.
John 15:13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.Jesus proved this when He left the splendour of Heaven – became a man served humanity in love and ultimately sacrificed Himself to redeem us. THIS IS LOVE.
When we lay down our flesh; our will; our selfishness; our pride, our me, myself and I; when we stop want, want, want; when we die to self and come alive to God’s Spirit we will focus on the Father’s will, what He wants; He needs. We will become obedient – even to death as Jesus walking in this love relationship of deep intimacy where deep calls unto deep and our whole life become a sacrifice of worship, love, praise and obedience unto the Father.
This is what our lives are about. This is why were created. This is Glory, Glory, Glory!!!You can impact the world the same way Jesus do, if you can learn to do one thing – To love people in whatever circumstances you are. Why? Because love lasts. Because love never fails. Because love does not envy, and it never boasts.It is neither proud nor rude. Love is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes. Love never gives up.
God is love.
Love, in fact, is the hardest, most powerful thing in the world. Whether driving a child to school, leading a church, cleaning a bathroom, heading up a multinational corporation, or washing feet, love is the secret to making a lasting impact.
Mother Theresa once remarked, “I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt but only more love.”
( Prayinging the NAMES OF JESUS by ANN SPANGLER )
In Isaih61 it is prophesied of what Jesus is anointed to come and do. Preach, heal, rebuild, deliver, serve, comfort and then in verse 3 it is prophesied that all who Jesus called will be trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. V4.We shall rebuild the old ruins, shall raise up the former desolations, repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.
V6. We shall be named the priests of the Lord, the servants of our God, V7. Instead of shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion you shall rejoice in your portion, therefor in their land they shall possess double, everlasting joy shall be theirs. (NKJV)
We can serve if we remember ONE THING – We serve because of HIM – HIS BLOOD made and still makes it possible.
Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (NKJV)
Jesus said “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 as ransom for many” ( Matt 20:26 – 28).
True greatness in God’s kingdom comes through sacrificial service, as Jesus chose to be a servant reconciling us to God (Phil 2:5 -8). He put on human flesh (John 1:14); He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:5), then sacrificed His life, paying the ransom for us (Matt 20:28).
Service and sacrifice are 2 essential elements of godly reconciliation as agents of reconciliation. We learn that humble service offered in obedience to God and love for others is a powerful way for the walls of alienation to be broken down between us. The measure for success for children of God is not in how we rule but in how we serve.
Christlikeness lead to servanthood!
The character of a faithful servant reveals
devotion to the interest of others,
thoughtfulness of rendering untiring care,
delight in prosperity, honor and happiness of someone besides oneself (NKJT Spirit filled).
A dramatic example of this is the bondservant of the OT (Ex 21:1 -6) serving wholly for love rather than accepting the privilege of his own freedom.
Servanthood is not slavery; it is voluntary – motivated from within by the love of God, not mandated by manipulation of subjugation, pressure guilt or demand. It is not cultish, but Christlike – always in the Spirit of Him who, being endowed with heaven’s complete authority, chose to take the form of a servant (Phil 2:5-7) (New Spirit filled life Bible).
We have to choose beloveds – God or not. Jesus says no one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other (Matt 6:24).
- God is seeking an undivided heart, beloveds.
I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom 12:1 -2)
- God is seeking all from us – body, soul and spirit; beloveds.
Serve = Follow Him.
# John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.
- Willingness to die for Him
- Willingness to follow Him
- Willingness to serve Him.
In both the OT and NT authentic ministry presupposes a leader has a record of personal service to someone: servanthood is the time-tested entrance prerequisite for trustworthy ministry (new Spirit filled life Bible)
# Steward of the mysteries of God – be faithful
1 Cor 4:1 – 2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
A steward is not the owner, but the operator, and only exercises the power, resources or responsibilities given him with the interests and the mind-set of the owner at heart and in focus. Jesus notes that faithful and wise stewards are known by their obedience (Luke 12:42,43)
# Serve through love.
Gal 5:13 For, brothers, you have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
The law of Christ beloved is love. If we are led by the Spirit, we are to walk in the Spirit and have the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:18, 22 – 23, 25) bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ (Gal 6:2)
Rom 12:9 – 21 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; hold to that which is good.
Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, said the Lord.
Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
# Service as to the LORD
Serve, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill, as to the Lord, and not to men (Eph 6:7)
We serve because of Christ – because God first loved us – not to receive any reward (although God does reward us – this is not our motivation – our motivation is always love)
This is why it is not important to get money, or gifts or even a thankyou – We serve because He first loved us and because of His love – we love.
# Serve with all humility.
(Paul) serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials (Acts 20:19)
Humilityè Modesty, lowliness, humble-mindedness, a sense of moral insignificance, and a humble attitude of unselfish concern for the welfare of others. It is a total absence of arrogance, conceit and haughtiness.
Then we see a little how Paul applied this humbleness:
V20 I kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house
- He wasn’t selfish to keep to himself what the Lord taught him.
V21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
- He was not scared of people neither ashamed of the gospel. He was obedient even to death to testify the gospel of Christ.
V24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
- Knowing he was going to be chained and tribulations was coming didn’t matter. Christ was all that mattered.
V27 For I have not shunned to declare to you all the counsel of God.
- He didn’t not preach to become or look for favour of men – but he declared al of what God said – God’s opinion was most important to him.
V28 – 38 Act 20:28 Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
- For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
- Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
- Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
- And now, brothers, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
- I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
Yes, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to them that were with me.
- I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
- And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.
# Serve with a forgiving heart.
In Mathew Jesus teaches us about greatness and He says the greatest is he who humbles himself like a little child (Matt 18:4).
Then Jesus warns against offenses against these little ones who believe in Him to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depth of the sea (Matt 18:6). In the midst of this Jesus teaches on how to deal with a sinning brother.
Your forgiveness can unbound your brother, beloved – what a wonderful teaching the Master is giving us and then Jesus tells us to serve with a forgiving heart in Matt 18:21 -35.
He, Jesus is the King that was moved with compassion, released us and forgave us our debts. (V27) We, as His servants ought to do the same even up to seventy times seven a day (v22).
We should have compassion on our fellow servant, just as He had pity on us (v33) otherwise our unforgiveness will lead to our being tortured (v34) and our Heavenly Father not forgiving our trespasses.
The “binding” power of unforgiveness is potentially dangerous to any of us.
Then we learn in Matthew and Luke that while we are serving our Lord and the rest of the world we are taught to be serving in such a manner that we are never caught by surprise when our heavenly Master (Bridegroom) comes for us.
- a) Matt 24:42 WATCH therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come.
Luke explains the importance of watching.
Luke 21:34 – 36 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come on you unawares.
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.In Eph 18 we learn : praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance.
- b) Matt 24:44 Be ready – for the son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
- c) Matt 24:45 Be faithful.
- d) Matt 24:45 Be wise (see also Ps 111:10 and Job 28;28)
- e) Matt 25:16, 17 Work with your talents.
- f) Luke 12:36, 39 Waiting and keep watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
- g) Luke 12 :47 Knew His Master’s will
- h) Luke 12:35 Waist girded and lamps burning
We learn in Eph 6:14 that we gird our waist with truth – the truth of Christ will set us and others free.
- We gird us with a towel to wash others feet the way Jesus did (John 13:4 – 17)
We gird up our clothes – taking every hindrance away that will prevent us from serving.
- Lamps burning is also taught by Jesus in Matthew in the parable of the 5 wise virgins. We can only burn and shine when we have oil. (The Holy Spirit)
Jesus recommends extra oil. The extra oil as I understand it, is the Holy Spirit in our soul area. When we are born again the spirit in us are filled with Christ’s Spirit.
Our soul needs to be transformed through sanctification – This I believe is a daily process and it comes through repentance. As the Holy Spirit reminds us of our sin in our soul area (mind / will / emotions) and body we through repentance and the application of the blood of Jesus Christ are being cleansed – receiving the extra oil.
Our soul and body must be consumed by the Holy Spirit, beloveds.
# Serving others as you would Jesus.
Matt 25:35 -36
I was hungry and you gave me food.
I was thirsty and you gave me drink
I was a stranger and you took me in
I was naked and you clothed me
I was sick and you visited me
I was in prison and you come to me
V40 Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me.
V34 Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
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