The Heart of a Servant
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
In the final hours before His crucifixion, Jesus did something astonishing. He wrapped a towel around His waist, knelt down, and washed the dusty feet of His disciples—including the one who would soon betray Him.
After He finished, He said to them, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you… Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:15,17)
Jesus didn’t merely teach about love—He showed it in the lowliest, most humbling way possible. He calls us to the same pattern: not waiting for others to deserve our care, not looking for recognition, but choosing to serve because we have first been served by Him.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, we see this same heart in action—a man crossing social and religious barriers to bind wounds, provide transport, and pay for healing when no one else would.
Jesus concluded that story with a simple command: “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).
Caring for others rarely looks dramatic. It might mean listening to a burdened heart, bringing a meal to someone in recovery, sending an encouraging message, or simply showing patience when it’s hard. These small acts echo the towel and basin, the bandage and oil—they reflect the One who “came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Today, let someone feel seen and valued through you, because in caring for “the least of these,” we care for Him.
Jesus, our Lord and Savior, thank You for serving us with love and grace. Help us to be that light to others. Soften our hearts to see the needs around us. Give us humble hands, ready to serve, even when it’s inconvenient. Give us open hearts, ready to hear, even when we don’t have the time. Grant us the heart of a servant, and let our care for others point them to You and eternal salvation. Amen.
