The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. -Mark 10:45 NIV
Much is often made these days of the idea of servant leadership. The notion seems well intentioned. Yet I have found that the emphasized word seems to be leadership rather than servant. It is a nuanced distinction but one that goes to how the concept is walked out. Is leadership provided by classroom teaching or in the style of Jesus and the disciples?
The Greek word diakoneó can be rendered serve or minister - it is where we get the word deacon. When I envision Jesus serving I see him ministering first and instructing second. Jesus was a hands-on leader. He did not ask his followers to go places he had not already gone or do things that he had not done. No service was beneath him.
Help us Lord to be counted among those who are washing feet and serving in ways that no one wants to serve.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.
I believe the best way to look at is as leading by serving or, even better, leading in serving.
ReplyDeleteGood way to look at it Fred. Focus on being an example of, and inspiring by, serving.
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