The Example Of Serving And Giving

-February 28, 2022-

Good morning, happy Monday,

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

(Mark 10:45).

The four gospel writers each had a different emphasis in presenting the life and ministry of Christ. Matthew portrays Christ as the King; Mark describes Him as the Servant; Luke shows Him as the Son of Man; and John emphasizes Him as the Son of God. Today’s verse is the key verse in the Gospel of Mark. Christ is the perfect Servant who gave His life to save us.

The Christian life is all about serving; serving the Lord and serving others. Jesus set such a great example for us to follow. Servants are humble, and they do their master’s will. Though He was God, Jesus as “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” in the Upper room, before He went to the cross, He took a basin of water, and a towel, and washed the feet of His disciples. He did the lowly job of a bond servant. Jesus told them in John 13:14-16, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.”

Jesus also “gave Himself as a ransom for many.” Giving comes in many forms, such as: money, time, effort, help, and favors. In each case, giving involves sacrificing for the good of others. Some believers are givers, others are receivers. Jesus taught us to give. Paul wrote in Acts 20:35, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Paul was both a servant and a giver. He worked as a tent maker and supported himself and his co-workers in the Lord’s work. He didn’t want to burden the saints.

May the Lord help us to follow the example of Jesus and our dear brother Paul in serving and giving. Let us sacrifice what we have to give to those in need. Oh, that we would find great blessedness and fulfillment in doing so.

Have a blessed day serving and giving with joy and thanksgiving. Stay safe and healthy.

In His eternal service,

Dean