We sing a song arranged by Tim Stevens and Matt Bassford called “The Servant’s Song”. It begins by saying, “Make me a servant, Just like Your Son. For He was a servant, Please make me one.” Every time I sing this song, it causes me to reflect on that last phrase in the opening – “please make me one” (a servant). Most people don’t think this way today. They don’t want to be a servant. They would rather be served. However, being a disciple of Christ and learning to be like Him means that we embrace this role of servanthood. We must be ready and willing to serve. After all, our King showed us how!
Read Philippians 2:5-8. Paul here says, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” He is the Son of God. He IS God. And yet, He came to this earth in order to serve as the sacrifice for the sins of you and me. He did not claim any advantage based on who He is, but humbled Himself in order to save us. Adopting this type of mindset in which we are willing to set aside any “advantage” and humble ourselves in service is a key to being a true disciple.
Now read Mark 10:42-45. Being a disciple is different than any endeavor on earth. The humility that we embrace is contrary to the way the world thinks. The world says, “let me be in charge and tell everyone else what to do.” The disciple says, “let me serve your needs.” His disciples had not yet understood that our purpose in the kingdom was not to be great, but to be servants. But by being servants, God will exalt us. Matthew 23:11-12, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Finally, consider the example of Christ again and read John 13:1-20. During one of His last moments with His disciples, Jesus taught them a very important lesson, and one we still need. He simply washed their feet. This was something done to visitors as an honor, but it was done by the lowliest servant in the household. Jesus washed all their feet in order to teach them a lesson. He says in verses 14-15, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” Jesus wants us to follow His example and be willing to serve. It is an act of love and humility that He acted out. As Jesus served His disciples, we are called to serve each other.
Next time we sing that song, consider the example of Jesus and pray, “please make me one.”