“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 10:45
The world of sports is full of heroes. Some are
heroes because of their talent, titles or personality. Others because of
their good character and servant attitude. Unfortunately, the latter are
harder to find. Who do you consider to be a sports hero that is known for
their servanthood rather than their talent? Would Roger Federer, Mohammed
Ali, Morne Steyn, or Jackie Robinson qualify? It's sad to say that the
sports world doesn't hold many who would fall into this category.
What if we broaden our pool to anyone in history?
Who would we add to the list of servant-minded heroes? While we all
might list Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr., it's undeniable that Jesus
is still our best example of a servant.
Philippians
2:6-7 talks about how Jesus “made himself nothing, taking the
very nature of a servant.” Also, Mark 10:45 says,
“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.” One of the most beautiful passages
portraying Christ’s servant example is in John 13:1-17 when
Jesus washes the disciples feet. The King of the universe took on the
nature of a servant, lowered himself and washed the feet of his
disciples. Jesus had all the power and authority to say, “Come and serve
me, wash my feet," but He didn't. He came to serve and not be
served.
