Saved to Serve

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

My favorite siblings in Scripture are Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. These three single adults lived in Bethany and often opened their home to Jesus and His disciples. Jesus loved them dearly (John 11:5). Whenever He went through Bethany He was sure to stay with them. He must have enjoyed their company and hospitality.

Martha, Mary and I are good friends. I relate to both of them in different ways on various and often occasions. I love to study the way in which Jesus related to each of the sisters according to what they needed. With Martha He was more straightforward and assertive. He met this strong woman with Strength and helped her to have more faith in Him. Jesus lovingly reminded her of the right priorities when she complained to him of Mary’s “laziness” (Luke 10:40-42). And He stirred up her faith when He met her after Lazarus’ death. He even drew the words “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world” from this faith-filled woman (John 11:20-27). But with docile Mary, He was gentle and tender, teaching her as she sat attentively at His feet (Luke 10:38), weeping with her (John 11:33-35), and allowing her to anoint His feet with expensive perfume (John 12:3).

I completely relate to Martha as she griped to Jesus (much like I would have) that Mary was just sitting around while she’s trying to serve Jesus and His many hungry men (Luke 10:38-42). But He had said to her that only “one thing is necessary…” and it wasn’t the food or the presentation…it was Jesus and her need to have her humbled heart sitting at His feet. And then, in that demeanor of humility and adoration, she would be able to serve others with joy and love. She needed a new perspective on what was happening in her house.  Wisdom Himself was teaching in her living room; her kitchen duties were not the main attraction.

It seems that Martha learned her lesson well. We know this because, just a few days after Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, we find her serving her dear guests again. This time apparently with deep gratitude and no complaints:

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. ² So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. ³ Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 12:1-3

Mary’s perfume was not the only lovely fragrance in the house. Martha was giving off a pleasing aroma to the Lord as well (2 Cor 2:14-16).

We are called to be servants. Jesus said that the least shall be greatest (Mark 9:35) and showed us an example to follow by becoming the Suffering Servant Himself (Isa 52:13-53:12). But I’ve found that you really don’t know how well you have assumed the role of a servant until you are treated like one. You can think you’re being servant-hearted as long as you’re voluntarily serving with joy and self-congratulations in your heart…until someone expects you to serve them. And then, at least in my sinful heart, pride and defensiveness reveals itself with a vengeance.

I have in my life one particular person who regularly causes me to have to check my heart. This person does not ask me to do things, he/she tells me to do things… and sometimes without words. I am simply handed something to do and expected to hop to it. It is so contrary to what I am used to that it throws me for a loop…though I am getting better at my initial response to it. I’ve been spoiled by the many people whom I joyfully serve that make requests without presuming that I will do it (and I love them for it). But when we are called to serve someone who is difficult, it is then that we are given a greater opportunity to really be a servant like Christ. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples…even Judas’, knowing that he was about to betray Him. And He served us all by allowing His own creation to nail Him to a tree. Surely we can be servants to those who are a little less grateful for our service… It was for ungrateful people such as these (us) that His blood was spilled (Rom 5:10).

 “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

Carrie Pickelsimer has a BA in music and an MA in Biblical Counseling. She loves to see people grow in their faith and in their love for God. She works as a faculty secretary at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  She enjoys using her gifts to help these godly men and to serve in her local church.
You can visit her blog at surprisedbylove.wordpress.com