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History remembers great kings—Genghis Khan, Cyrus the Great, Augustus Caesar—for their military victories, firm grips on power and their stockpiles of wealth. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, power and prestige mean nothing. Instead, God bestows the greatest esteem on those who serve.
Jesus told his disciples, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your bondservant—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:26-28).
Jesus calls his followers today to do the same. He invites us to reject worldly applause and embrace humble service. His call inspires ordinary people to leave their homes, board a plane and help hurricane survivors rebuild their homes. And busy parents to sort donations once a month at a food pantry. And college students to launch their own nonprofit to help kids succeed.
A life of selfless service, according to Jesus, is truly great. In Scripture, servants are remembered as heroes. Stories of humility and generosity can inspire us to meet the practical needs of our neighbors, give without expecting anything in return and live as Jesus commanded.
Consider these five biblical stories and their messages about service and neighborly love:
1. Jesus heals a paralyzed man (Mark 2:1-12)
During Jesus’s ministry, crowds followed him closely, eager to hear his teaching and witness his miracles. When four men brought their paralyzed friend to receive healing from Jesus, they couldn’t even make it through the doorway. Undeterred, the men went to the roof, created an opening and lowered their friend before Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he offered the paralyzed man both spiritual and physical healing.
The friends were tenacious in their service, overcoming obstacles out of love. Like them, we shouldn’t be discouraged by changing circumstances or new challenges while serving. Instead, we should bring a collaborative spirit to the problem, recognizing unique perspectives can unlock creative solutions.
2. David cares for Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9)
Saul, the first king of Israel, may have tried to kill David, but David still shared a close friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan. David and Jonathan even made a covenant with one another, promising their families would always be friends (1 Sam. 20:42).
When Saul and Jonathan died, David ascended to the throne, but he didn’t forget about his promise. David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Sam. 9:1). When he learned about Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, David invited him into his home to eat at David’s table like one of the king’s sons (2 Sam. 9:11).
Commentators believe Mephibosheth was unable to support himself before David reached out to him. As a child, Mephibosheth’s feet were permanently injured and his family had been ousted from political power. He was likely living as an outcast and worried the new king would try to kill him to end Saul’s family line.
But David invited Mephibosheth into a life of security and abundance. In gratitude, David sought out opportunities to serve. Then, he used his power and influence to continuously bless someone living on the margins.
Like David, we should look for people to show kindness to and let service open the door to genuine relationships.
3. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Who should we serve? According to one of Jesus’s most famous parables, everyone.
The story goes like this: When robbers attacked a Jewish man and left him to die, two members of the religious elite passed by him without offering help. But a Samaritan, considered an enemy of the Jewish people, stopped and showed compassion. The Samaritan bound the man’s wounds and paid for his continued care.
Scripture tells us to love our neighbors (Lev. 19:18). And, as the parable demonstrates, our neighbors aren’t just people we know, people we agree with or even good people. Our neighbors are strangers, friends and enemies—every person we encounter who bears God’s image.
Like the Samaritan, we should seize opportunities to serve those we might normally judge or look down on, even if it’s inconvenient or costly.
4. Joseph of Arimathea prepares Jesus’s tomb (Matt. 27:57-61)
After Jesus died, a wealthy man named Joseph took Jesus’s body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock (Matt. 27:59-60).
Joseph used his resources to give Jesus the dignity of a good burial– while under no impression Jesus would return the favor. Joseph models the generosity, practicality and respect we should all embrace while serving others.
5. Elisha gives oil to a widow (2 Kings 4:1-7)
In ancient Israel, widows were often vulnerable and unable to provide for themselves economically. Scripture tells us creditors threatened to enslave one woman’s children after her husband died, so she asked the prophet Elisha to help.
All the woman had was a small bit of olive oil, but Elisha told her to gather as many jars as she could from her neighbors and pour the oil in. Miraculously, every jar she received, she filled. Elisha instructed her to sell the oil and pay off her debts.
Granted, most of us can’t miraculously multiply someone’s resources. But, like Elisha, we can respond to the needs of our vulnerable neighbors and encourage others to join the effort.
By following the examples of service described in Scripture instead of endlessly chasing the world’s applause, we can come closer to what Jesus would call true greatness.
Do Good:
- No matter what your skills or interests are, there is a volunteer opportunity that is a good fit for you. Discover an opportunity close to home.
