The Importance and Benefits of Servanthood

“But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Matthew 19:30

Dear Family & Friends,

Repetition is one key to understanding what God says is important. When a word, concept, or phrase is repeated over and over it bears special attention. Over and over Jesus reiterated the Kingdom truth that the “first will be last, and the last first.” Servanthood is an important Kingdom trait!

Repetition Reveals What is Important

All of us do it! We repeat the things that are important to us. Young people with a special interest can’t stop talking about their obsessions. Parents reiterate certain character qualities, actions, or attitudes they want their children to remember and follow. If you listen closely you will begin to gather what is important to different people.

The same is true in the Bible. In the book of Matthew a careful reader quickly discerns that an important theme is the Kingdom of God. From the beginning of the Gospel Jesus patiently trains His disciples to understand what qualities and attitudes Kingdom citizens should exhibit. A mindset of humility and submission to God comes through loud and clear. But it is hard for the disciples to grasp because this mindset is completely opposite of what the world values and strives for.

The Beautitudes and Servanthood

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, taught the Beatitudes (my Bible dictionary defines them as “a declaration that sets forth qualities and experiences that are combined in the ideal character,”) and then later He constantly repeated the concept of servanthood.

16:24-26 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” 

18:4 “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

19:30 “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

20:8 “ . . . beginning with the last, up to the first.”

20:16 “So the last will be first, and the first last.”

20:26 “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.

Not only did Jesus teach this concept but He demonstrated it as shown by His statement, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” The repetition of this concept of servanthood and Christ’s example point to the importance of this character quality in God’s people.

Living Out a Life of Servanthood

So how does one live out this life of servanthood in God’s kingdom? Does this mean we must sell all of our possessions and move into a hut in the woods, living with only the bare essentials? Should we become a doormat to everyone we meet?

Not so! A servant of the King recognizes Who has the authority and submits to His authority in all things. We remember that everything we have does not really belong to us. We are only stewards of these possessions, talents, and relationships, and we must hold them loosely. Our ears are open at all times listening and ready to jump to our next assignment.

If we are asked to do menial chores, then we do them with joy and gratitude. If we are summoned to speak to thousands of people, we speak in humility proclaiming the message of our Lord. If entrusted with worldly riches, we share these resources with others as God leads. Whatever we are asked to do, we are ready and willing because we know who we are – servants of the King of Heaven.

The Benefits of Being a Servant

While many people may cringe at the thought of servanthood and giving up control of their lives, there are wonderful benefits.

Those who manage other people’s property make decisions on how to proceed with issues based on what the owner wants done. In this way, servants of the King call upon Him when they have a problem. If your vehicle doesn’t belong to you then you go to the owner when it breaks down and ask Him how to proceed with repairs. If you need more finances, you run to the owner Who has unlimited resources. What a wonderful relief in difficult times – to be a servant of the King!

Do you want to know what God thinks is important? Then read His word and look for repetition. In the book of Matthew you will notice many themes and one of them is servanthood. This countercultural attitude and mindset, so different from the world’s values, was demonstrated by Jesus and is what the King of Heaven requires of His people.

Love,

Mama