Our Saturday devotion was prepared by Pastor Bob Neben, our Pastor of Visitation.
Scripture reading from Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45 “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Reflection Jesus Christ is often called “the man for others” because He lived His life being concerned about other people. Christ was concerned about the sick, the blind, the children, the poor, the lame, the rich and the hungry. Jesus was more concerned about other people than He was about Himself. The scripture verse tells us that Jesus Christ came to serve people. In the story found in John 13:1-17 Jesus takes water and a towel. Then He washes the disciples’ feet. In this way Christ showed His disciples the importance of serving others. In John 13:15 Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
I try to live by this principle of service. I try to pattern my life after the example of Jesus Christ. There is a song that speaks about this kind of principle of service. The song spells out the word “JOY” by saying that the “J” stands for Jesus being first in one’s life, “O” is for others being second, and the “Y” stands for yourself in third place. Some Christians call this the “I am third” philosophy of life.
If you and I are willing to live by this principle of service, God promises we can experience joy. You probably know of individuals who live by this principle. They are joyful and full of life. As we live for others by serving them, we find that Christ seeks to give us a full life. Jesus seeks to save us from those attitudes and practices, which destroy the good life and save us to the kind of life that God intends.
Again Christ found joy in being the “Person for Others.” May each of us do the same.
Prayer Loving God, help us to live by Jesus’ example of service. Lord, help us experience your joy in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.