[THE] Huddle: Serve

Ready:

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -- Matthew 20:28 NLT 

 Set:

One of my favorite basketball players growing up was B. J. Armstrong. He was the starting point guard who won three National Championship rings in the ’90s with the Chicago Bulls. You may not know who he is, but we can assume what he did, got the ball to arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan. It’s hard to find those on our teams who are willing to serve their teammates and make them look great. Too often, we want to be the “go-to.” We want to be the name in the paper. We want to be Michael Jordan when the reality is God has called most of us to be B.J. Armstrong.

Jesus was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He was God walking the Earth as human; yet, He didn’t share ways of how we get others to serve us but showed how we are to serve others. In the Last Supper, Jesus was having the Passover meal with His disciples. It says in John 13:3-5,

Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

Fully knowing His authority over these disciples, He chose to serve these disciples. Jesus not only knew His authority He had over them, but He also knew the weaknesses that were within them. He knew in just a few short hours these men He was serving would be a betrayer, a denier, and ten deserters yet He chose to serve.

Serving isn’t about what we get in return from people but showing love to people. Serving isn’t transactional, it's transformational. Yes, Jesus served those that would desert Him now but because He loved them well by serving them often, after the resurrection they were transformed. In fact, Jesus’ example of servant leadership led to the martyrdom and horrific deaths for all but one, John who was exiled to the Island of Patmos for his faith.

Instead of trying to “Be the One” who has all the accolades and attention that might change your world, “Be the One” who serves your friends, family, and teammates and see how God uses you to change the world. 

Go: 

• In what ways do you look for others to serve you? 
• What does Jesus’ example of servant leadership teach you? 
• Write down three ways you want to serve those on your team, family, peer group, etc.

Workout: 

1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; Galatians 5:13

Overtime:

“Lord, thank You for setting the example of how to be a servant. Help me to follow Your example and serve my family, my friend, and my teammates. Give me Your servant heart. Amen.”

Sarah Roberts