“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.'” (Mark 9:35)
“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, 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.'” (Matthew 20:25-28)
Greatness Defined by Jesus
I remember a time when I was overwhelmed with my own goals—trying to get ahead, make progress, and accomplish more. But in my pursuit, I overlooked something crucial: I was so focused on my own success that I neglected the opportunities to serve others around me. Then one day, while reading the Gospels, these words of Jesus stopped me in my tracks:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
Jesus’ definition of greatness was radically different from the world’s. Instead of climbing the ladder of success, He calls us to stoop down in humility. Instead of seeking to be honored, He tells us to honor others.
Jesus: The Ultimate Servant Leader
Throughout His life, Jesus modeled servant leadership. He washed His disciples’ feet—a task normally reserved for the lowest household servant (John 13:12-17). Imagine the Son of God kneeling before His followers, gently cleaning the dust from their feet. Peter, in shock, even tried to refuse. But Jesus insisted, teaching them (and us) a powerful lesson:
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
Jesus didn’t just teach service—He lived it. Every miracle, every meal shared with sinners, every moment He spent with the brokenhearted was an act of service. And ultimately, He gave His life as the greatest act of service, laying it down for our salvation.
Biblical Examples of Servant Hearts
1. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Jesus told the story of a man beaten and left for dead. Two religious leaders passed by, unwilling to help. But a Samaritan—a man from a despised group—stopped, bandaged his wounds, and paid for his care. True greatness wasn’t in the priest or Levite who ignored the need. It was in the one who stopped, helped, and served.
2. Ruth: Serving with Loyalty
Ruth’s story is another beautiful example of selfless service. After her husband died, she could have left her mother-in-law, Naomi, to find a better life elsewhere. Instead, she chose to stay and care for Naomi, declaring:
“Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
Her service, born out of love, not only blessed Naomi but led to Ruth becoming part of Jesus’ lineage.
3. The Widow Who Gave Everything (Mark 12:41-44)
Jesus noticed a poor widow giving two small coins at the temple. While others gave large amounts, she gave all she had. Her small, humble act of service—done with a heart fully surrendered—was greater in God’s eyes than the grandest of gifts.
Serving in Everyday Life
Service isn’t always grand or public. Often, it’s found in the unnoticed, simple acts of love.
- A mother who wakes up early to care for her children.
- A teacher who stays late to help a struggling student.
- A friend who listens when someone is hurting.
- A volunteer who helps feed the homeless.
Once, I met a woman at church who quietly served behind the scenes—always the last to leave, making sure the chairs were put away, the floor was clean, and that everyone felt welcomed. No one applauded her. No one posted about her on social media. But I believe that in heaven, Jesus is smiling at her, whispering, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Lessons from Mother Teresa and Everyday Saints
Mother Teresa once said:
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
She spent her life serving the sick, the dying, and the forgotten. But it wasn’t just her famous work that made her great—it was the heart behind it. She didn’t serve to be noticed. She served because love compelled her.
But let’s not forget the countless unknown saints who quietly serve every day. The grandmother who prays for her family, the janitor who works hard with integrity, the caregiver who tends to the elderly with patience and love.
The Blessing of Serving
When we serve, something incredible happens:
- Our hearts become more like Christ.
- We find joy in giving rather than receiving.
- We build true community and deepen relationships.
- We step into our God-given purpose.
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
This is not just a spiritual principle—it’s a truth that changes lives.
Will You Choose the Road to Greatness?
The world tells us that success is about power, fame, and wealth. But Jesus tells us the opposite: The road to true greatness is paved with service.
Will you choose to walk that road today?
Practical Next Steps:
- Look for one small way to serve someone today.
- Pray for a heart that seeks to serve rather than be served.
- Remember that no act of service is too small when done with love.
How have you seen the power of service in your own life? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
