Serving in power

“Who is greater,” Jesus asked, “the one who is at the table or the one who serves?” This seemingly obvious question was followed by an incredible revelation by Jesus: “I am among you as one who serves.”

This conversation is consistent with the motif in the New Testament that offers us a Jesus who is seen primarily as a servant with a towel in his hands rather than a king with a crown on his head.

Others have talked about service. Even one of my favorites, Bob Dylan, sang in the late '70s, “you gotta serve somebody!” Bob, the magical poet, defined this more clearly, singing, “It might be the devil or it might be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.”

Both the example of Jesus’ life and the observation of Mr. Dylan are foreign concepts to Western culture. How many would think of service as a desirable thing, something to strive for if it were the pinnacle of success? It’s counterintuitive to a Western mind. There are not many good examples. Do you have any friends who are great servants? Are there those you point to who are servants and say, “I wish I could be like that!”

In Africa, I was reminded recently that pastors are commonly referred to as “God servants.” This seems to be more important to them than the position they hold or the academic degrees they have earned. I don’t often see this exultation of servant-hood among spiritual leaders in America. I didn’t say ever -- I said not often. Servant-hood is by definition antithetical to the building of one's own kingdom.

I talked once with a young man from Sudan. We discussed where he was from and family of origin. As he began to speak of his family and particularly of his father, there was a growing sense pride, not of a bad sort.

He told me that his father was a respected man in his village. It was clear that his father held a position of great importance. It was his desire to follow in his footsteps.

I began to realize I was in the presence of someone who held some influence. I also began to realize that this could benefit me. He had contacts that could be utilized. I began to press in a bit and asked, “Oh, what does your father do? Is he the governor of that province?”

His answer was evidence of a huge difference between my paradigm and his. “No,” he said proudly. “My father is the servant of the chief in our village.” His culture, his faith and his life experience all predisposed him to a notion that was foreign to me. The notion that servant-hood was something to be desired, even seen as an accomplishment.

I am challenged by this type of thinking but have also learned there is something underneath it that is very important. While it is foreign to the Western mind, it is nonetheless true that there is power in service, power in a life lived out in submission to God’s will.

I have met many warriors of the faith, men and women sold out to building the kingdom; leaders who think of their lives as nothing to hold on to; pastors who understand their role as shepherd to reflect the life of Jesus, holding a towel in their hand rather than wearing a crown on their head. Those who think and act in this manner posses incredibly powerful ministries. It becomes clear that the secret to their power is an attitude of servant-hood lived out in submission the will of their master, Jesus.

Paul thought it was enough to be a bondservant of Jesus. Mary said, “As you wish Lord. I am your servant,” realizing that this was enough. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, not on horses and chariots, loudly proclaiming that he was servant of all mankind. It was enough for him.

I wonder why we want more?