Faithful Servant
Jesus remains his Father’s perfect, obedient servant no matter the circumstances.
St Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2 for us to follow Jesus' example of humble obedience and service is inspirational. Jesus’ own demonstration of this in his passion leaves us
speechless.
Because Jesus understands his mission, is utterly faithful to the work his Father gave him to do, his purposeful preaching, teaching, and works—ending in the offering of his very life, he also clearly sees his destiny and reward. This is hard for the religious people of Jesus’ day to accept. They believed they were the example of faithful, authentic leadership and could not accept his example and success. They would have
preferred people to follow their example rather than follow Jesus. Your loyalty and servanthood can only rest with Jesus if you truly believe in him.
On this day, Maundy Thursday, the church observes and celebrates the institution of the Holy Eucharist, Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper by Jesus in the Upper Room so many years ago. We also think of his demonstration of perfect servanthood as he stoops to wash the feet of his
disciples, saying,
“Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now
that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17)
Where does your loyalty actually lie? With your church, your clergy, your culture, your nationality, or first and foremost with Jesus himself?
Is your theology and spirituality firmly established in the person of Jesus?
What is your
servanthood and godly leadership like?
How can you best remain a servant of Christ in all you believe, say and do?
