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On his first Sunday in a new congregation, the Church Pastor said: “I am your servant, but you are not my Master”. How do we understand this statement? Taken in the right spirit, the Pastor is willing to do all he can to meet the congregation’s needs in his obedience to the Lord, his Master. On the other hand, the statement could easily reflect the boundary drawn in serving others – that is on our own terms. We want to serve, but certainly dislike being treated like servants!

Sacrificial service is concerned with God’s approval. In Mark 10, Jesus again spoke of His impending death on the cross as they headed towards Jerusalem and James and John made an incredible request. They wanted for themselves positions of honour in the Lord’s kingdom. Jesus’ reply to them addressed the primary issue of position and power. In contrast to worldly positions, Jesus said, “But it is not so among you” (Mk. 10:8). The challenge given to the disciples is to live to gain God’s approval. Jesus’ servant must understand that leadership position is not about prominence and power. Serving when it is convenient or choosing who to serve is hardly sacrificial service. Jesus’ standard in selfless sacrificial service is one that leads people to see God’s hand of grace in their lives.

Sacrificial service is marked by humility. James and John had just witnessed at Jesus’ transfiguration the awesome revelation of Jesus as: “This is my Son whom I love” (Mk. 9:7). Yet, this same Jesus before and after His transfiguration served in all humility the people who sought Him. By His example, Jesus humbled Himself, disregarding status, meeting the immediate needs of others selflessly. He would show up at various tax collectors homes and often spend time with society’s rejects imparting His love, wisdom and acts of grace. His death on the cross was His ultimate act of sacrificial service. “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” (Mk. 10:45).

What do you think James and John felt after Jesus finished speaking? The answer may be found in what they did with their lives – both gave of themselves fully preaching Christ in Asia and planted churches beyond Jerusalem and Judea.

“If I had one thousand lives, I would give it all to China” – Hudson Taylor