It is Great to Serve!

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”39 “We can,” they answered.Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” (Mark 10)

41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 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.” (Mark 10)

To be great= to be a servant

The Lordship of Christ in our lives means that we submit to Him in every area

including our serving

For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through

whom all things came and through whom we live” (1 Corinthians 8:5-6)

1. It is the Way of our Master (His Purpose and Practice)

– Jesus’ purpose was to obey the Father’s will– He came to serve mankind Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; My Elect, in whom My

soul delights. I have put My Spirit on Him; He shall bring out judgment to the nations. (Isa 42:1)

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.” (Mark 10: 45)

The Master’s Purpose

Your ATTITUDE should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

“… being in very nature God,… made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant… he humbled himself and obedient… even to death on the cross” Philippians 2: 5-6

The Master’s Practice

14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (John 13)

2. It’s Our Privilege as Servants

- Because He is God - We experience His Grace and Power in our servingAbraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Joseph was abused,

Moses stuttered, Esther was a beauty queen, Paul was a persecutor, Rahab was immoral, David had affairs, Elijah was suicidal, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, Martha was a worrier, Paul had poor health, Timothy was timid, Peter was impulsive and hot tempered, Thomas had doubts.

Can you imagine how God can use you in your weaknesses?

God qualifies the called!

"Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.”

Jim Elliot

3. It’s Our Master’s Joy

- We will share in our Master’s happiness

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” (Matt 25:23)

- We can anticipate a great reward from the Lord Jesus

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.” (Rev 22:12)

8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. (1Cor 3:18)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Tim 4:7-8)

It is really great to serve!