HELEN SANDERS
11-30-2025
THE HEART OF A SERVANT

When Jesus came on the scene Israel was so ready for the one called Messiah. They believed that Messiah would come and “set things straight.” He would defeat their enemies and establish an eternal kingdom on earth when he came.

They did not understand that when Jesus came that he was the Messiah, but he was the suffering Messiah of Isaiah 53. They didn’t know the 5th verse of Isaiah 53 that read, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

This verse has caused countless confusion with the Jews. They truly are blinded as to who this is speaking of. Yet, despite their blindness, it is right there for them to read. It is also there for us to read. It speaks of what Jesus had to go through as a suffering servant to become the lamb whose blood was shed for us.

Jesus never wanted notoriety. He washed his disciples feet. He fed crowds that turned their back on him. He was mocked by the religious leadership, yet he continued to serve. He was then put on trial falsely, and crucified. Even on the cross he had a servant’s heart when he told John to behold his mother. Jesus wanted his mother taken care of and that person he chose was John. He had compassion for the thief on the other cross that asked to be remembered.

A true follower of Jesus must have the same heart that Jesus did. We must never serve Him for money, or notoriety. It isn’t about building our kingdom, my friends; it is about building his. It isn’t about others washing our feet, it is about washing the feet of the unlovely.

A servant will surrender their life to Christ to be crucified with him. As the apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

A servant’s heart is the heart of one that gives their lives for others. Let that be our heart’s desire.