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PROTRAIT OF A SERVANT
PROTRAIT OF A SERVANT
PROTRAIT OF A SERVANT.... We find Jesus setting the standard and example for us to follow in our lives. His short earthly life was filled with activity for us to learn from. Both Matthew and Mark record a special truth for us to learn from. In response to His disciples and their argument over "greatness", He settled the matter for them.
"It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you SHALL BE YOUR SERVANT, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but TO SERVE, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28)
"And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and SERVANT OF ALL." (Mark 9:35)
"But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you SHALL BE OUR SERVANT; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 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 10:43-45)
Then a bit later on Jesus strongly rebuked some of the Pharisees for their attitude of arrogance. They had tried to put themselves in a position of honor, however Jesus makes it clear their hearts were not right, and their action was that of hypocrisy. He used this term about 7 times in this interesting chapter, in regards to the scribes and Pharisees. Notice with me verses 11-12.
"But the greatest among you SHALL BE YOUR SERVANT. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:11,12)
As He often taught, humility is one of the most important characteristics a Christian is to have. "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)
"You younger men, likewise, btu subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves WITH HUMILITY TOWARD ONE ANOTHER, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." (1 Peter 5:5)
Can one really show the love He demands of us (Matthew 22:37-39) if we fail to be a humble people?" Remember Paul's warning to the church at Rome in the first chapter of this important letter. (Romans 1:28-32) They were guilty of unrighteous behavior such as greed, envy, strife, deceit, malice, gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, ARROGANT, boastful, inventers of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful. We need to take Paul's warnings seriously as we live today. As the Prophet Isaiah informs us, SIN SEPARATES US FROM GOD. (Isaiah 59:1-2)
Let us learn each day to be better servants. Only by following the example Jesus has left us can we have the Father's approval.
ROSS
