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<\/a>Our first staff gathering since I have been on staff was in September and I made sure everyone knew what to bring, where to go and when to arrive. At the end of the night, one of the student pastors said, \u201cHey Donna, you\u2019re just like Jesus! You throw a great party at someone else\u2019s home.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I laughed of course, but deep inside, I was thrilled that someone thought I was just like Jesus!<\/p>\n
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In Philippians 2, Paul tells us that Jesus was a servant. \u201c\u2026taking the very nature of a servant\u2026\u201d <\/i>(Philippians 2:6-7 \u2013 NIV). Just before this passage however, Paul tells us that our \u201cattitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.\u201d <\/i>(Philippians 2:5 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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So if we are to take on the attitude of Jesus as a servant, we must look at what He did as a servant to learn how to serve.<\/p>\n
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Jesus Had a Servant Heart<\/b><\/p>\n
In one of Jesus\u2019 teaching moments, He shared an important message with the disciples and mothers of two of the disciples. His message was that if you want to be great, you must be a servant. Jesus then tells them why He came to earth. \u201cWhoever wants to be first must be your slave\u2014just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 20:27-28 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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So we must be willing to become a slave. A servant. And always be searching for ways to serve another. It was how Jesus lived His life.<\/p>\n
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Jesus Healed the Sick<\/b><\/p>\n
Jesus healed the sick. Both physically and spiritually. Through physical healing, Jesus opened the door to spiritual healing in many instances. But in each case, He never took the credit. God was always given the glory for the healing. A servant attitude overflows with humility.<\/p>\n
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While God is the only One who can heal, we can lead others to spiritual healing. We can serve others as we share the Gospel, teach its message, and proclaim God\u2019s salvation to the world.<\/p>\n
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Jesus was Hospitable<\/b><\/p>\n
Yes, when Jesus shared the last meal with His disciples, He was hospitable. He was a gracious Host. \u201cWhile they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples\u2026\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 26:26 \u2013 NIV) Jesus served at least a portion of this meal.<\/p>\n
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Hospitality goes beyond serving meals. It is making others feel comfortable around us. Jesus\u2019 example of hospitality leads me to believe that we are to be hospitable in our attitude.<\/p>\n
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Jesus Did Whatever was Necessary<\/b><\/p>\n
In John 13, we see the example of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. This simple act of service caused great turmoil. But it was yet another teaching moment. When He was finished, Jesus asked the disciples, \u201cDo you understand what I have done for you?\u201d <\/i>(John 13:12b \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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I\u2019m sure they were confused, but He then explained the importance of serving others. \u201cI tell you the truth, 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.\u201d<\/i> (John 13:16-17 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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As believers, we know these things. Now we must do them. So what are we to do? Anything that puts others before ourselves. It may be washing feet. But it also may be raking leaves for an elderly person or mentoring an at-risk child or visiting a nursing home.<\/p>\n
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In the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 26:31-46), as the King gathers all the nations, He blesses those who fed Him when He was hungry. Who offered a drink when He was thirsty. Who invited Him in as a stranger. Who clothed Him when He was naked. Who cared for Him when He was sick. Who visited Him in prison.<\/p>\n
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The righteous were confused. They had never done any of these things for the King.<\/p>\n
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He then offers these words. \u201cWhatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 26:40 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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I believe the message here is clear. We are called to serve others. In whatever way we possibly can.<\/p>\n
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Jesus Loved<\/b><\/p>\n
Jesus also loved with a servant heart. He was compassionate (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 15:32; Luke 7:13). He was sorrowful (Matthew 26:37-38). He grieved (Luke 19:41; John 11:35). He knew how to love.<\/p>\n
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Oh to have Jesus\u2019 compassion, sorrow and grief for a hurt and dying world. That is how we are to love others. By living life with them. By showing them that we care. By sharing God\u2019s love with them.<\/p>\n
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These are my observations on serving. Perhaps there are more. I\u2019m sure there are. But as we look into Jesus\u2019 heart, we can see nothing but that of a servant. And that is the exact attitude we are to take upon ourselves.<\/p>\n
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How will you serve others today? Over the next week? Over the next month? I pray that you have something already set up. If not, why not connect with your local church and see what they have going on and find a place in the serving crowd. There\u2019s always room for one more.<\/p>\n
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Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n
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Donna<\/p>\n
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