“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Phil.2:3). “Diotrephes, loves to be first...” (3Jn.9). “Jesus came to serve—not be served, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt.20:28). “Because of the joy awaiting him, Jesus endured the cross…” Heb.12:2).
Lord Jesus, these passages present a most striking contrast. Diotrephes loved to be first; but you love to serve. You have never loved to be first, though you are before all things. Truly, you took the lowest and “last” place through your life-giving death on the cross. Diotrephes thought of getting and keeping. You literally own everything, yet you gave your everything to rescue, redeem, and restore us.
You emptied yourself as the quintessential Servant—serving us by your life, death, and resurrection (Phil.2:1-11). Now, you ever live to serve us as our Advocate, Intercessor, and King. Even when you return, you will serve us (Luke 12:37; Rev. 7:17). This boggles our minds and humbles our hearts, Jesus.
We are never more like you than when we are serving and putting others first—finding more joy in giving than hoarding, sharing rather than grabbing, encouraging rather than being appreciated. I experienced this afresh yesterday, through a friend’s joyful, servant love of my grandson.
I listen to a lot of great grace-filled sermons, but I saw a grace-filled sermon yesterday. Sometimes the show of “show and tell” is more profound, more needed, more impactful. Jesus, may our “me-first-ness” get crushed under the glorious weight of your mercy, grace, and love. Supersize our awe in response to how much joy you have in serving us. And supersize our joy in serving others. So Very Amen.