Scripture Reading: Matthew 20:20-28

“Our daily work can be a calling only if it is reconceived as God’s assignment to serve others.” (Tim Keller, Every Good Endeavor)

Imagine that you ordered something on Amazon Prime to be delivered tomorrow. When tomorrow comes, imagine that when you open the door to receive the package, the person delivering your package is none other than Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon. I think that scenario would shock any person—not only because Jeff Bezos is famous, but because no one expects the owner of a multi-billion dollar company to be doing the menial work of their own company. We all assume that successful and powerful people get others to serve them and to do the tasks that are beneath their position. After all, why would anyone choose to function below their own station?

The God of the Bible answers this question with one word: love. It can only be love that would drive someone to lay down their rights and privileges in order to serve someone else. Love makes us do silly things, but none sillier than the creator of the universe taking the form of a lowly human and servant. Philippians 2:7 tells us that Jesus “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant…” so that he could die on a cross for sinners. It’s love that drove the perfect son of God to choose to do this—to become less than what he was. And now, because of his sacrifice, you and I can be saved and given the title “children of God” both now and for all eternity.

The gospel motivates us with this love we’ve been shown, and it calls us to live in the way of Jesus, and not in the way of this world. While this world may use power to gain greater platforms and positions over others, Jesus calls us to be like him—to use our platforms and positions to actually serve others. Who might God be calling you to serve today? What position and resources has God given you that can be used to love and serve others?