Christ the Servant

Stop.

Close your eyes and breathe. Let your mind center in what Jesus did during Holy Week: gathering, eating, serving, suffering, dying. Simply meditate on what Jesus did and remember: he does this out of love for you.

Listen.

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. – Isaiah 42:1

Reflect.

Christians often read the book of Isaiah in light of Jesus and his work. While it wasn’t originally written with this intent, it’s both easy and meaningful to hear it as such. In particular, Isaiah points to the one who comes to save the people not as a soldier but as a servant. God’s chosen redemption won’t come with glory and fanfare, but instead, through sacrifice and self-emptying.

During Holy Week, we need that reminder. As we hear the story of Jesus’ final days before his death, we hear over and over how Jesus chooses humility, even humiliation, in the face of accusation and challenge. It points us to the truth: Christ’s power comes not in force but in service.

This week, tune your heart to the stories of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday with a special attention to Jesus as a servant. How does it change what you hear about his acts of love for you to know that he does it not to control you, but because he wants to serve you? What does it mean to be called to worship and obey one whose power comes in sacrifice? How is it good news to know that Jesus comes in humility and calls you to do the same?

Pray.

Christ the servant, your acts of love brought me life. I praise you. Send your Spirit during this Holy Week that I might hear your gospel in a new way, one that calls me to service, hope, and compassion for all in your name. Amen.

Carry On.

As servants of Christ, we are likewise called to serve. How can you be generous and compassionate today? How might you share your time and money in service to the gospel today?