The Lighthouse Devotional
Author: Jacqueline J. Austin
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE
“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 NIV).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
When dining in a top-class restaurant, we expect nothing less than the highest quality service. Based on the high costs usually associated with such dining experiences, servers respond to every request with patience and diligence. Fundamentally, most persons prefer to be served rather than to serve. Jesus Christ, although he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, did not have servants as is often the case with earthly royalty but gave of himself sacrificially.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
The context of our scripture passage is that two of Jesus’ disciples, James and John, want to be elevated to positions of honor when Jesus comes into his kingdom (10:37). They are jostling for high rank, and Jesus challenges them to refocus their thoughts away from status and superiority over others to servanthood. He affirms, “whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (10:44).
In the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates his commitment to service by washing his disciples’ feet and challenging them to serve each other similarly (John 13:4–17). Jesus’ earthly mission focuses on ministering to poor and imprisoned people, giving sight to the blind, and setting the oppressed free (Luke 4:18; cf. Isa 61:1). He heals the sick, feeds the hungry, and provides for the needy (e.g., Matt 4:23–24; Mark 10:46–52; Luke 4:33–35, 38–41; John 6:1–14). Indeed, Jesus serves so sacrificially that he offers his very life as the ultimate payment for our sins.
EXHORTATION
Let us, therefore, follow Christ’s example and serve others excellently, not as men-pleasers but with sincerity of heart and reverence for our Lord (Col 3:22). Whether we serve in our home, work, business, school, community, or church, let us care for people’s needs with all humility and diligence, not lording it over those entrusted to us (1 Pet 5:3).
PRAYER
Father, we thank You for the many opportunities You provide for us to serve. We count them as an honor and a privilege. You never demanded accolades or recognition for Your service. Instead, You sought to minister to the most vulnerable and gave Your very life as the ultimate ransom to repurchase us from the slave market of sin. We lean fully on You to render the service You expect. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.