Introduction

Good morning, Church! I hope you all are ready for a powerful message today that will transform the way we think about service in our daily lives. We'll be diving into a familiar passage from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 38 through 41. As we explore this passage, we'll be focusing on three key points: The Priority of Service, The Example of Service, and The Reward of Service.

Charles Spurgeon said, "To serve God is to enjoy the highest pleasure." When we serve God with all our heart and our neighbors as ourselves, we are living out the very core of the Christian life.

Before we jump into our sermon, let's read the full passage from Luke 10:38-41 (NIV):

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'

Let's pray together as we begin.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and the opportunity to gather together as Your children. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to the message You have for us today. Help us to understand the importance of service in our lives and to follow the example of Jesus in everything we do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let's jump right in and begin by examining the Priority of Service.

The Priority of Service

As followers of the Way of Jesus, serving God and others should be at the forefront of our minds and actions. This priority is not only essential for our spiritual growth but also for the well-being of those around us and the advancement of God's kingdom.

Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus continually serving others, whether it be through healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or teaching the masses. Jesus' entire life was marked by service, and He ultimately laid down His life on the cross as the ultimate act of service for humanity. In John 13, Jesus washes His disciples' feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant in a household. In doing so, He demonstrates the importance of humility and service in the life of a believer. Jesus tells His disciples in John 13:14-15, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." Jesus' life and teachings make it clear that service should be a priority for every follower of Christ.

When we serve others, we are not only meeting their needs but also growing in our relationship with God. Service is an opportunity to put our faith into action and to grow in our understanding of God's love and grace. As we serve others, we become more like Jesus, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of service for spiritual growth in his letters to the early churches. In Galatians 5:13, he writes, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." Serving others is a vital part of our growth as Christians and our journey toward Christlikeness.

When we serve others, we can meet physical needs and emotional needs. We are demonstrating God's love and compassion to them, and in doing so, we can have a profound impact on their lives. In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus tells His followers that when they serve others, they are serving Him. He says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." When we prioritize service, we are not only blessing those we serve but also honoring and glorifying God.

When we serve others, we are participating in God's work on earth and helping to bring His kingdom to fruition. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus tells His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." As Christians, we are called to be those workers, serving others and sharing the love of Christ with the world. When we prioritize service, we are joining in God's mission and playing a crucial role in the growth of His kingdom.

As we seek to prioritize serving others, remember that service isn’t about grand gestures or huge acts of sacrifice. Service can be as simple as offering a listening ear to a friend in need, helping a neighbor with their groceries, or volunteering at a local food bank. The key is to approach every situation with a heart of service, looking for opportunities to love and serve others as Jesus did.

But keep in mind that I’m talking about neglecting our own needs or well-being. In the passage from Luke 10, Jesus commends Mary for choosing to sit at His feet and listen to His teaching, rather than becoming consumed by the tasks of serving. While service is essential, it should not come at the expense of our relationship with God or our spiritual health. We must find a balance between serving others and nurturing our own souls, ensuring that we are continually drawing from the well of God's grace and strength.

Remember the words of the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." When we serve others, we are ultimately serving Christ, and our efforts will not go unnoticed or unrewarded.

The Example of Service

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