Day 305, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): John 12:20-50; John 12:1-11; Mark 14:1-11; Matthew 26:1-16; Luke 22:1-6
To Serve or be Served?
In America, we live in a “Me” generation. Cars, homes, clothing, food, entertainment, and even people are for “my” comfort, “my” looks, “my” reputation, and what will make “me” happy. There are, however, those who serve our community and nation with unselfish motives, and we appreciate their sacrifices and service.
Jesus Lived to Serve and Sacrifice
Seeing our helpless and worthless estate, the Lord came down from heaven’s glorious presence to live among us and deliver us from our sins (Philippians 2:3-11). He sacrificed himself so we might have eternal life.The Lord lived, not for his own glory or praise, but for the glory of his Father in heaven. Each day, Jesus got up early to pray, and each night he stayed up late to talk with him.
His service
Jesus healed many people and even raised the dead. He spent long hours daily teaching large and small congregations the meaning of Moses’ laws and the sayings and writings of Israel’s prophets. He urged people to repent (to change their minds and turn from their sins) for the kingdom of heaven was at hand. The Lord also taught them about life and godliness and warned them about false teachers.
The Lord often worked long days with people always crowding him and never giving him a moment’s peace. The religious leaders hounded him whenever they could make trouble for him. Still, Jesus used every opportunity, free or not, to teach his apostles. He loved them and gave them all he had.
His sacrifice
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus’ sacrificial death draws near. He tells his disciples,
The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour?” No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. “Father glorify your name!” (John 12:23-28, NIV)
Jesus’ purpose was to fulfill the will of his Father in heaven, i.e., to die by crucifixion to save humanity from their sins. This would provide the opportunity for spiritual life.
The Lord could’ve sought to preserve his life, but he didn’t. Jesus could’ve sought popularity and positions of power, but he didn’t. Instead, he became like a seed planted into the ground, which dies to give new life and an abundant harvest. This plentiful harvest would include all people who believe Jesus died to provide them with spiritual life.
Jesus can give any of us spiritual life if we, in genuine faith, trust him to save us from our sins. After Jesus would leave this earth, his disciples would sacrifice their lives to bring us the good news of salvation through our Savior.
How are we doing in our service and sacrifice for God? Are we seeking to fulfill his will or our own? How far are we willing to take our commitment? (more...).
Mary serves, but Judas seeks to be served
Six days before the Passover Feast, Jesus’ friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus invite him and his disciples to their home. They hold a feast in his honor, perhaps in gratitude for Jesus raising their brother Lazarus from the dead. When Jesus comes, Mary does a very unselfish thing; she takes a bottle of expensive perfume, anoints his head and feet, and dries it with her hair.
What a waste! Judas thinks.
“Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages,” he said. He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the moneybag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12:5-8, NIV).
Judas Iscariot is disgusted with losing an opportunity to make some money. He is selfish, unthankful, and greedy. Later, Judas goes to the chief priests and offers to deliver Jesus into their hands for thirty silver pieces, the compensation price for a slave gored by an ox (Exodus 21:32)
Judas Iscariot is a traitor, and he doesn’t think Jesus’ life is of much value.
Do we esteem Christ today? Are we willing to sacrifice even costly things for him?
Discussion
Jesus came to serve and sacrifice himself, doing the will of his Father in heaven. Our aims in life are usually quite different. How can we get on the same page as Jesus?
People follow Christ for different reasons. What are some of them? Why do you think we should follow Christ?
John 15:12-14 (NIV) “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Here is a song to go with today's Bible study: A Little More Like You
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead: Judas, seeing there is no profit in following Jesus, decides to betray him. Jesus, on the other hand, shows us how to love others. Learn more in our Next Lesson called Love and Betrayal.Back to top of page
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