Christ became a servant.

Romans 15:1-9, We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”

We know that on the night He was betrayed, Jesus took the role of the humblest servant in washing the feet of His own disciples. Even more, He who had the glory of God “made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” And He paid the ultimate price when set His face like a flint towards Jerusalem and began the long walk to the cross to set us free from the power of sin and death. How then can we who are “strong” even compare to that? Are we willing to take the role of the lowliest servant as did He to bring glory to His name?

Thank You for showing us that the greatest among us shall be the servant of all as we lay aside our own foolish pride to serve in Your name!

ESV Lectionary