Mark II
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45 ESV)
Serving
I once sat in a hotel lobby for a few hours. I was waiting, and had a good book to read, I expect. But my attention was grabbed by a middle-age man who was also hanging around the lobby. He was not particularly well dressed, and looked like he would be more comfortable at Cracker Barrell, than at The Gilded Fork.
What I noticed was that he was being surprisingly helpful. He carried guests’ luggage. He brought coffee to thirsty-looking visitors. He opened doors, cleaned messes, and listened to old folks tell tales, and he smiled.
I was far too lazy to join him, but I did ask him why he was so active in this way.
He quoted this verse to me. He had recently purchased the hotel, and he said, “I have come not to be served, but to serve, like Jesus.”
I might have argued his theology and his placement of himself in Jesus’ shoes… but instead I thanked him, and accepted his coffee.
What a world we would see if more of us came to serve.