To Serve

Pete Kersker - Nov 07, 2025

Jesus empowered (with the Holy Spirit) and equipped (with specific instructions) his disciples (students) to serve (minister). Then, Jesus sent those disciples (students) out to empower more and equip them to serve. Today, Jesus sends out his disciples (students) to empower and equip more people to serve. This is how Jesus builds his church.

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles 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, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28 NIV).

Jesus modeled this lifestyle of service for all his disciples (students) throughout history. He literally  laid down his life to serve us, so we can be reconciled with the LORD. He also told his disciples (students) that they would need to lay down their life in service as well (Matthew 10:38, 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23, 14:27).

"The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master" (Matthew 10:24 NIV).

We serve together as Christ's Church because Jesus is our teacher and master. We also serve as Jesus' disciples (students) because he first served us. When we do, we participate with billions of others who have lived over thousands of years, building up the Body of Christ as we serve.

"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:13-15 NIV).

Are you a part of the Body of Christ?
(ie. Are you Jesus' disciple [student]?)

How do you serve to build up Christ's Church?