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By Laura Dewing
In this study we want to consider the meaning of taking the form (role) of a servant, so that we can follow Jesus’ example.
In Genesis 39 we find a young man, Joseph, reflecting (showing) what it means to take on the form of a servant, not just to be a servant. “And his master saw the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him” (Gen. 29:3-4).
If Joseph had been a servant merely because of circumstances, then his attitude would have reflected unwillingness to serve or even resentment, murmuring and complaining because of the things he was told to do. But Joseph reflects what it is to take upon ourselves the form of a servant—of our own free will, initiating (beginning) the role, rather than being forced to serve.
It is true that Joseph was sold into slavery, but, having taken upon himself the form of a servant, he went far beyond what was expected of him. This is evident in that his master saw that the Lord was with him in the way in which he served.
There are people who will push off on you those tasks they find beneath them to do, or they will delight in bossing you around and giving you orders that are not their place to give—passing their work off on you and delighting that they can control you. If you have taken upon yourself the form of a servant, you won’t resent such arrogant treatment but will jump in and serve joyfully with all your heart.
Also, as a servant, you won’t be trying to dominate conversations, or strive to be seen and recognized, for a servant is in the background, serving, right there when someone needs him or her to serve.
In Phil 3:2b we read: “In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” You expect ME to do that? Don’t you realize who I am? Human nature puts ME first! As long as we initiate the idea, we’re happy, but when someone else expects us to do the same thing, we think, No way! That’s when we grumble under our breath. Our pride is offended—unless they ask us to do something that will cause others to think highly of us.
Read through the Gospels and see the great example of Jesus in the role of a servant: tired, stepping aside to be alone—only to find the multitude has followed. They didn’t come to serve Him in His tiredness, but to get what they needed from Him. Did He serve them begrudgingly? Was it beneath Him to touch a leper who came for help or was it a chance to show forth the love of God in action?
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, (from the heart) as to the Lord, and not to men,” Colossians 3:23 exhorts us. When you live by this principle of taking upon yourself the form of a servant, others will not be able to take advantage of you, for you will be serving the Lord in serving them.
As we examine the role of a servant, we want to consider the Master, Himself, that we might gain a practical understanding of what verse 5 means by saying, “Let the mind which was in Jesus be in us” (i.e., the mind of a servant).
John the Baptist said he wasn’t worthy to even untie the thongs of Jesus’ sandals (Jn. 1:27). However, the Lord Jesus, in taking upon Himself the form of a servant, stooped to wash the disciples feet— a true act of humility (See Jn. 13). Jesus didn’t think such an act of service was beneath Him. He didn’t do this so others would praise Him for being so humble. (Some people think they are humble and are proud of it.) Rather, He was sending a message to the disciples that they should have a heart to serve others: “... I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord; neither he that is sent greater than He that sent him,” (Jn. 13:16).
In John 4 we find Jesus passing through Samaria, weary with His journey. He sat on the well about noon time. While here in the flesh Jesus experienced weariness like anyone else. Though weary, He found opportunity to serve the living waters to a woman who came to the well for water. Haven’t you been so weary that you didn’t want to talk with anyone? You just wanted to be alone to rest. If people happened to pass by you ignored them, lest they stop to talk or ask you to do something for them. But when taking upon yourself the form of a servant you are available at all times to serve other people.
Luke 17 gives an example of what is expected of servants, even though they may be weary and hungry. “Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? ”
True servants put their own interests last, giving of their time and energy for the benefit of those they serve. The mind of servants is occupied with how they may give of themselves to serve; whereas the proud and lofty are ever concerned with what will benefit them, how others can help them get what they are after in this life.
Back in John 4 we find the woman going into the city to tell others. She said, “Come, see” ... and they came unto Jesus. Remember, now, Jesus was wearied with His journey. He had sat down to rest while the disciples went to get lunch. When the woman brought others back to see Him, He wasn’t impatient nor frustrated because He was so weary. Yes, He was weary, but not too weary to serve. His disciples came back and saw Him with the crowd. They encouraged Him to take time to eat. His response was that of a faithful servant: “My food...is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (Jn. 4:34 NIV). Tiredness and hunger were secondary to the immediate call to serve those Samaritan people.
Note, also, that Jesus didn’t think it beneath Him, nor an inconvenience to take time to talk with one soul. He wasn’t just looking for crowds or looking to be admired for His selfless service. No, He often took time to be a servant to just one person. A friend of mine saw a drunk man lying in the middle of the road, right in the line of traffic. Many passed by with a look of disgust, but my friend began to help the man get to the side of the road. As he did, some even looked angry because he stooped so low.
One thing to note in the ministry of Jesus is His quiet manner of serving others without fanfare or boasting. Even today, Jesus doesn’t demand our love or praise. He promotes it by showing us His love and concern. How can one not praise and love the One who gave Himself for us and is ever extending Himself in service on our behalf?
In John 10 we see a precious example of being a servant. Here Jesus is portrayed as the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep. In those days the shepherd was literally a door for the sheep. At night he would lay across the opening of the pen so any animal or thief would have to climb over him to get to the sheep. He was willing to risk his life for an animal! His life was given daily in serving those sheep. He was willing to risk his life, lose sleep, be out in the storms—whatever was required to serve. His own interests and needs were secondary when it came to their care.
Another realm of servanthood is sharing what is ours. The ultimate of this is found in John 14: “In My Father’s house are many mansions . . . I go to prepare a place for you . . . that where I am you may be also” (vs 2-3). Jesus reveals that He is willing to share His Father’s home with us, and to prepare a place there that we might live with Him. After humbling Himself when He came to earth and taking upon Himself the role of a servant, one would think He would be glad to lay down that role once and for all. But what has Jesus been doing all these years since ascending into Heaven? He still has the mind to serve because of His great humility and His great love. May we follow His example and allow that same mind to be in us—the mind of a servant.
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