Tag: Service

Work the Hardest, Take the Least

In Luke 13:22-30 and 14:7-14, Jesus is both teaching and modeling a value that is deeply counter-cultural: the path to greatness in God’s kingdom is through humility, service, and selflessness. When the disciples are jockeying for position, and the crowd assumes that only the “qualified” will enter the kingdom, Jesus gives them a clear message—many who assume they’re first will find themselves last.

In these passages, Jesus first addresses the need to strive to enter the narrow door. The Greek verb used here, agonizomai, suggests a kind of intense, strenuous effort. It isn’t a matter of casual belief or superficial faith; it’s a dedicated pursuit that requires heart and soul. But even in the intensity of striving, Jesus goes on to say, we shouldn’t expect to take the highest seat.

In Luke 14:7-14, Jesus turns His attention to humility in social settings, giving a memorable illustration of guests at a banquet. Instead of seeking the place of honor, He instructs us to choose the least place, allowing the host to elevate us if he chooses. The kingdom, Jesus shows, is not about achieving high status but about taking on the role of the servant—the one who works hard without expectation of reward.

When we live with this humility, we free ourselves from the burden of recognition and avoid the risk of entitlement that Jesus warns can keep many out of the kingdom. Serving and loving others from the least position may seem unrewarding on the surface, but it aligns us with Jesus’ heart and reflects His sacrifice. And just as God exalts the humble, He promises to one day elevate those who took the lowest place in this life.

The challenge Jesus offers is this: When we’re eager to see growth or success, let’s not make it about ourselves. Instead, let’s “work the hardest and take the least,” joyfully serving others as we follow Jesus’ example. Only in letting go of the pursuit of self-gain do we find ourselves truly embracing kingdom values.

The Need is the Call

In Mark 6:30-44, Jesus seeks to withdraw with His disciples to a quiet place for rest after their ministry efforts. However, the crowds follow them, and instead of prioritizing the disciples’ need for rest, Jesus is moved with compassion for the people, describing them as “sheep without a shepherd.” He then goes on to feed over 5,000 people.

This passage highlights a tension between personal needs and the needs of others. Jesus recognizes the importance of rest, yet when faced with the physical and spiritual hunger of the crowd, He doesn’t turn them away. He places the needs of the people first, showing that sometimes the call to serve comes when it’s least convenient or expected. His response exemplifies sacrificial service — giving up personal comfort to fulfill the will of the Father.

For us, this example speaks to the reality that the need around us often becomes the call. We might have plans for rest, personal growth, or self-care, but there are moments when the needs of others require immediate attention. Whether it’s an unexpected phone call from someone in need, an interruption in our day, or a last-minute opportunity to serve, Jesus’ response shows us the heart of true servanthood.

However, it’s also important to note that Jesus didn’t neglect rest entirely. Throughout His ministry, He made space for solitude and time with the Father. While the passage emphasizes serving others, it doesn’t negate the necessity of personal rest and renewal. It suggests that discerning when to serve and when to rest is part of following Jesus.

Ultimately, this passage teaches us that true discipleship often involves putting others first. When we see a need, we may be called to step into it, trusting God to multiply our efforts, just as He multiplied the loaves and fish. Like Jesus, we are invited to serve with compassion, even when it costs us something.

Adding Value to Your Life and the Lives of Others

Abraham is worried about who his son, Isaac, will choose to marry. And so he sends out his oldest servant to find his a wife — not among the Canaanites in the foreign land they inhabited, but from among his own people, Israel. The servant arrives and sets 3 criteria when he prays to find a woman who says, “Yes (kindness) have a drink (service) and I will water your camels too (thoughtfulness).”

This is a woman who exemplifies the love of God. She had drawn the water for herself and her family, it’s not like she was hoping to bump into someone to give it to. Now she gave her water to this foreign visitor, and not only that, she had to make at a minimum two more trips to the well. One or more for the camels, and one or more for her original purposes. She fulfilled not only the request of the stranger, but saw — and met — an unspoken need as well.

We should strive to be like Rebekah. Adding value to the lives of others through kindness, and observation, and service. And we should surround ourselves with Rebekahs who will do the same. In that way we can carry and support each other as we seek to emulate Christ.

Have a blessed Sunday. See you at church.

Genesis 21:8-24:67 | 007/365