Names of Christ: An Advent DevotionSample

Son of Man

Matthew 20:28 reads:

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many (NLT).

I remember some years ago taking my two children, who were teens at the time, to serve meals at a homeless shelter during the holidays. I wanted to help them understand that life wasn’t just about them and their wants.

They were a little nervous and unsure about the whole idea, but we went. And we served people—people who were broken and hurting, people who had nothing but the clothing on their backs. My kids walked away from that experience, saying it was the most fulfilling holiday they had ever had. I believe that’s because their focus changed. It shifted to something bigger, something more important than self.

It was about serving other people.

And that’s exactly what Matthew 20:28 is all about. Jesus came into this world full of poor and needy people, people like me and you, to meet our needs. Think about that for a moment. The God of heaven was selfless. He didn’t demand that we serve Him, but He came and laid His glory aside. He bowed low to serve humanity.

Jesus, the Son of Man, our humble and glorious King... He saw our pain, our need for a savior, and paid the ultimate price so that we could be saved and healed and that we would know joy—now and forevermore.

Devotion by Charlene Aaron, The 700 Club