SERVE Period

41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10: 41-45


Today’s scripture is one that always reminds me how flawed the disciples were. We see two brothers trying to vie for a place of honor, once they are in heaven with Jesus. James and John have a private conversation with Jesus asking him to set them apart from all the other disciples. Jesus, of course, uses this as a teachable moment, explaining to all of them what it means to become great.

This passage is probably familiar to most of us. Jesus words, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all.” Although the familiarity of the words make it easy to quote, the lesson is much harder to put into action.

For the past two years, my family has served at Coastal Community Church, in South Florida. One of my favorite things our church does is, "Serve Saturday". On the first Saturday of each month we go to the same neighborhood and serve the residence there. The Senior Pastor designed t-shirts for us to wear that simply reads, "SERVE." on the front.

“The Christians are here; the Christians are here!” Those are the excited cries that can be heard from one of the houses on my block, in Collier City. On the first Saturday of every month, while a team from my church serves hot dog, chips, snow cones and provide fun activities for kids, I am fortunate to walk down “my block” and visit the families.

Each month I am blessed with conversations, where I’m able to encourage the residence as I catch up on what has been happening in their lives. I am filled with joy as I pray with them over health, financial, or family struggles; and play with the children who joyfully run out of the homes excited that the Christians are here.

It’s more than mere houses on a street. These are families with stories, stresses, and successes. Walk down any street in America and you will find families in need. In Collier City, though, the stresses seem to outweigh the successes.

That’s where we come in. Knocking on the doors is just the beginning. It’s started with conversations, then month after month I got to know the names that match the faces. Before I knew it when I prayed for Verna, Anna, Luis, James and Maria, Mac and Louise, Jerry and Lily, I not only know their faces, and their stories, I know their hearts.

Collier City is about showing who Jesus is through serving. Period. We expect nothing in return. We share ourselves with no expectations attached. One of the values at Coastal is, Saved People Serve People and serving in Collier City is a beautiful way to show the love of Christ.

In our passage today, Jesus says, “ the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” If we are called to be like Jesus, that is our job too. SERVE. And not just once a month but every day. Start looking today for ways you can serve. Don’t worry you do not have to be perfect. We are flawed just like the disciples were with Jesus, but he can still use us for his kingdom purpose.


Read today's entire passage here Mark 10