Isaiah 53:4-12
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45
Introduction
Peace be unto you... Today's discussion concerns the profound theme of 'Joy in Humble Service.' Our world today often glorifies power, position, fame, and prestige, we are invited to reflect and consider a radically different perspective on greatness. The passages from Isaiah, Hebrews, and the Gospel of Mark call us to a deep reflection on the joy that can be found in serving others humbly, following the example of Christ Himself.
Joy must not be mistaken as happiness. Happiness comes as a result of the happenings around us. Meanwhile, joy comes from inner peace and focus on fulfilling ministry.
Ministry in Latin comes from two root words meaning, little in service. The topic for discussion today is about harnessing the joy in ministry - as little servants to all others. We are easily swayed to see Christian ministry as a political ministry that is about power to command, popularity, and being served - going about with bodyguards and so on.
Let us examine each of our texts and uncover the wisdom they offer about finding joy in humble service.
The Suffering Servant
The prophecy of Isaiah presents a picture of the suffering servant, a figure who carries the sorrows and burdens of others. "Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering," says the prophet (Isaiah 53:4). This servant is not exalted by worldly standards; He is despised, rejected, and familiar with pain. His suffering was deemed to be the punishment from God; "yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted." (Isaiah 53:4). Yet it is through His suffering that healing, salvation, and reconciliation are brought to many.
Isaiah 53 shows us that true service is not about glory in the eyes of the world. It is about taking on the needs and burdens of others, even when it involves sacrifice. And in this, there is great joy—because through our humble service, we reflect the heart of God. The servant finds joy not in avoiding pain but in fulfilling the redemptive purpose of God.
Another wisdom to note is that the suffering servant had no one to defend him, "By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living." (Isaiah 53:8)
For us, this means that humble service involves a willingness to bear one another's burdens, to enter into the suffering of others with love, and to act selflessly. Though we may not have anyone to be on our side, the joy we experience in such service is not the superficial joy that fades with comfort and ease, but a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing that we are participating in God's mission of love and redemption in the world.
2. Christ, the Compassionate High Priest
In Hebrews, we see another image of humble service in Christ's role as the compassionate high priest. The high priest in the Old Testament was chosen to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. But unlike the priests of old, Jesus, the Great High Priest, did not offer the blood of animals—He offered Himself. He "learned obedience from what He suffered" and became "the source of eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:8-9).
What strikes us here is the humility of Christ. Though He was the Son of God, He did not shy away from the call to serve through suffering. In His service, Christ showed that true leadership and true greatness are found in obedience to God and in the sacrifice of self for others.
As human as we are, Jesus could have messed up His ministry and sinned against God but, "During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission." (Hebrews 5:7). With humility and fervent prayers, Jesus was able to fulfill His ministry.
The Hebrew writer indicates, "For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Focusing on the joy of humble service brings God's glory.
As followers of Christ, we are called to a similar path. The way of service is the way of the cross. It is not easy, but it is joyful because it is the path that leads to life—not just for ourselves, but for those we serve. When we follow Christ in humble service, we become vessels of His grace to others.
The Call to Serve, Not to Be Served
In the Gospel of Mark, we see a stark contrast between worldly ambition and Christlike humility. James and John come to Jesus with a request—they want positions of power and authority in His coming kingdom. But Jesus gently corrects them, saying that greatness in the kingdom of God is not about being first or holding power over others. Instead, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all" (Mark 10:43-44).
In comparison, Jesus says, "“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles [worldly leaders] lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." (Mark 10:42-43).
Jesus then gives the ultimate example of this truth: "For even 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). The King of Kings came not to be honoured by the world, but to humbly serve, even to the point of death.
This is the heart of Christian service. We are not called to seek recognition or reward, popularity or fame. We are called to serve others with the same humility and love that Christ showed. In this service, we discover a joy that transcends worldly success—the joy of knowing we are fulfilling God’s will, of seeing others blessed, and of experiencing the deep satisfaction that comes from living in the way of Christ.
The Joy of Humble Service
So, what is the joy of humble service? It is the joy of reflecting Christ in our lives. It is the joy of seeing God's kingdom come through acts of kindness, compassion, and sacrifice. It is the joy of knowing that even in our small, often unnoticed acts of service, we are participating in the work of redemption and transformation that God is doing in the world.
3 Key Points:
- Joy comes from the knowledge that our service, even when painful, brings life to others.
- Joy comes from obedience to God's call, even when it leads us through suffering.
- Joy comes not from seeking power or status, but from serving others humbly, as Christ did.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on these Scriptures, let us ask ourselves: How can we embrace the joy of humble service in our lives? Where is God calling us to serve, not for recognition or reward, but simply out of love?
May we be inspired by the suffering servant of Isaiah, the compassionate high priest of Hebrews, and the humble Saviour of Mark to serve others joyfully and humbly, knowing that in doing so, we are walking in the very footsteps of Christ.
Amen.
