Day 305, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): John 12:20-50; John 12:1-11; Mark 14:1-11; Matthew 26:1-16; Luke 22:1-6
To Serve or be Served?
In America, we live in a “Me” generation. Cars, homes, clothing, food, entertainment, and even people are for “my” comfort, “my” looks, “my” reputation, and what will make “me” happy. There are, however, those who serve our community and nation with unselfish motives, and we appreciate their sacrifices and service.
Jesus’ life was to serve and sacrifice. Seeing our helpless and worthless estate, the Lord came down from heaven’s glorious presence to live among us and deliver us from our sins (Philippians 2:3-11). He sacrificed himself so we might have eternal life.
The Lord lived, not for his own glory or praise, but for the glory of his Father in heaven. Each day, Jesus got up early to pray, and each night, he stayed up late to talk with him.
His service
Jesus healed many people and even raised the dead. Daily, he spent long hours teaching large and small congregations the meaning of the laws of Moses and the prophets of Israel. He urged people to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The Lord also taught them about life and godliness and warned them about false teachers. He often worked long days with people always crowding him and never giving him a moment’s peace.
The religious leaders hounded him wherever they could to make trouble for him. Still, Jesus used every opportunity, free or not, to teach his apostles. He loved them and gave them all he had.
His sacrifice
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus’ sacrificial death draws near. He tells his disciples,
The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour?” No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. “Father glorify your name!” (John 12:23-28, NIV)
Jesus’ purpose was to fulfill the will of his Father in heaven, i.e., to die by crucifixion to save us from our sins. This would provide the opportunity for spiritual life. The Lord could’ve sought to preserve his life, but he didn’t. Jesus could’ve sought popularity and power, but he didn’t do that either. Instead, he became like a seed planted into the ground, which dies to give new life and an abundant harvest. This plentiful harvest would include all people who believe Jesus died to provide them spiritual life.
Jesus can give any of us spiritual life if we, in genuine faith, trust him to save us from our sins. After Jesus leaves this earth, his disciples would sacrifice their lives to bring the good news of salvation through our Savior.
How are we doing in our service and sacrifice for God? Are we seeking to fulfill his will or our own? How far are we willing to take our commitment? (more...).
Mary serves, but Judas seeks to be served
Six days before the Passover Feast, the time of his approaching death, Jesus and his disciples are invited to the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. They hold a feast in his honor, perhaps in gratitude for Jesus raising their brother Lazarus from the dead. When Jesus comes, Mary does a very unselfish thing; she takes a bottle of expensive perfume, anoints his head and feet, and dries it with her hair.
What a waste! Judas thinks.
“Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages,” he said. He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the moneybag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12:5-8, NIV).
Judas Iscariot is disgusted with losing an opportunity to make some money. He is selfish, unthankful, and greedy. Later, Judas goes to the chief priests and offers to deliver Jesus into their hands for thirty silver pieces, the compensation for a slave gored by an ox (Exodus 21:32). Judas Iscariot is a traitor, and he doesn’t think Jesus’ life is of much value (Exodus 21:32)
Do we esteem Christ today? Are we willing to sacrifice even costly things for him?
Discussion
Jesus came to serve and sacrifice himself, doing the will of his Father in heaven. Our aims in life are usually quite different. How can we get on the same page as Jesus?
People follow Christ for different reasons. What are some of them? Why do you think we should follow Christ?
John 15:12-14 (NIV) “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Here is a song to go with today's Bible study: A Little More Like You
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Here is my personal prayer response if you wish to join me. Dear Father in heaven, how Great is your name and your sacrificial love for me and for all the world. Thank you that Jesus came to serve, not to be served, and to sacrifice his life in our place so we might be brought back into fellowship with you.
Thank you that he sought to do your will, Father. I know that is the same desire you have for all your children, those you have saved from sin. You want us to serve, sacrifice, and share the good news of Jesus so more will be brought into your kingdom. Please give us our daily bread of humility, faith, and courage to do so. Please also meet our other needs as you promised so our minds can be focused on eternal things. Forgive us for any wrongful acts or behavior and for what we should have said or done but neglected. Give us a heart of compassion like you. Help us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. Please keep us out of trouble, Lord; you know how prone we are to wander. We want to be a testimony of your grace to the world. We pray these things in Jesus’ name, Amen
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead: Judas, seeing there is no profit in following Jesus, decides to betray him. Jesus, on the other hand, shows us how to love others. Learn more in our Next Lesson called Love and Betrayal.Back to top of page
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