Scriptures to Study: Matthew 5-10; Matthew 20:20-28; Matthew 25:31-40; Mark 1-9; Luke 17:1-10; John 21:25; Romans 12; Galatians 5: 9-10.

"And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen" (John 21:25). This Scripture perhaps more than any other single Scripture tells us what an exemplary servant Jesus was!

This verse should settle in our minds once and for all any whining, complaining or resenting we may have in our service to others. Jesus said, "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do'" (Luke 17:10).

One of the most unique qualities of our Master was he never asked anybody to do anything he was not willing to do himself -- the epitome of a true leader. "Though He was a Son, He learned obedience by the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). Jesus spent his entire earthly life demonstrating what it meant to be a servant. He said, "...but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:26-28). The greatest in God's kingdom are called to be servants of all.

We as humans will never be able to do enough to thank God for saving us from our sins through our obedient faith. Therefore, we continue throughout our lives to do some in the areas of teaching the lost; giving of our time, money and effort; praying for others as well as ourselves; visiting the sick/shut-in; comforting the bereaved; helping the needy; showing hospitality to strangers; and encouraging weak members, just to name a few.

We are to love and care for the ones we serve. Serving others has a great reward here as well as in eternity. "And whoever gives one of these little ones a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42).

More than anything else we want to hear Christ say, "Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord" (Matthew 25:23).

1. What must take place in order to develop a heart willing to serve?

2. When does serving others become our delight rather than our duty?

3. Where is our service to others manifested?

4. Why is the need to serve others ongoing?

5. How is Christ served through our service to others?