Serving others is the hallmark of true leadership. The Bible reveals that Jesus served others in different ways. He gave His life to serve others (redeeming mankind from eternal destruction and damnation) and by healing the sick. There are three other ways Jesus served others in His earthly life and ministry. He is our best example. Let us examine the three other ways:
The second way Jesus served while on earth was by forgiving our sins. Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church at Colossea that God has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us to the kingdom of His dear son, in whom we have redemption through his blood and the forgiveness of our sins (Colossians 1:13-14). Sin was the bane of mankind. Jesus earned our pardon for sins. He paid the debt we owed and became our ransom. Other than Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, nothing would have been sufficient to earn us forgiveness and deliver us from the consequences of our sins.
The third way Jesus served was that He gave hope to the hopeless. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b). Abundant life offers His followers hope. Paul also writes, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” As believers, Jesus is our hope and the source of our hope. Romans 15:12-13 further buttresses this, “And again, Esau saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Finally, Jesus served during his earthly ministry by feeding the poor. He expects us to care for them too (Matthew 25:35) by feeding them, clothing them and showing them the way of salvation (Acts 4:12).
Beloved, let us also be among others as one who serves!
