“For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 NRSV)
Serving is at the heart of Jesus’ ministry. Making the connection between Jesus feeding the five thousand and setting up a food pantry is easy. God serves others through us. Jesus calls us to be more than good waitstaff. The ministry of feeding is commendable, but there is more to serving.
To follow the example of Jesus and serve all people requires us to get involved in the lives of others. Jesus valued relationships. Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman, making time for children or comforting his friends Martha and Mary serves as a blueprint for moving us beyond projects and anonymous charitable activities to relationships.
Following the life of Jesus leads us into the mess of life where lives are transformed and Christ is made known. Serving as Jesus serves brings us closer to Jesus, the one who did not come to be served but to serve.
As we serve following the example of Jesus Christ, we can:
- Visit the sick and the imprisoned
- Feed the hungry
- Respond to disasters
- Walk alongside others
- Give of our resources