A student and a servant

A student and a servant

Scripture:

“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! Matthew 10:24-25

Observation:

In this passage, Jesus gives His disciples the imagery of their relationship as students and teacher, servants and master. Our Lord Jesus is both our Teacher and our Master. If we are students, are we learning from our Teacher? If we are servants, are we serving our Master?

In what ways do we learn? In church, we listen to the sermon. In Bible studies, we look at God’s Word in depth. In our personal devotions, we seek God to see what He may teach us. Learning more and more about our God and knowing Him has always been a fundamental part of being a Christian. We must not forget that we are students, and we must learn from our great Teacher. Learning itself can be a lifestyle, for the Holy Spirit whom Christ has given us, is able to teach us and help us grow at any given moment, even as we go about our daily activities. Our part is to be open and aware of His presence with us throughout the day and listen to what lessons He may wish to teach us.

In what ways do we serve? There are so many needs and so many ministries in the church, in cell groups and even in the marketplace. Our God of infinite variety may call us to serve Him in diverse ways and in the most unexpected places. Our part is to avail ourselves to Him and pray that He may lead us to the service that best suits us. God knows us better than we even know ourselves, so He naturally will know where we can best serve. Our part is to pray, and respond by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, as He brings service opportunities to us in the course of our daily activities.

Another aspect that Jesus warns His disciples, is that just as the Jews slandered Him and called Him Beelzebul, the prince of demons, so too, they would slander them. If our Lord was so persecuted, should we be surprised that we are persecuted too? Those who follow Jesus will experience not only His power but also His persecution.

Application:

Remember that we are students. What are we doing to learn more of the Lord and His Word? Pray for wisdom and opportunity to know God and His Word even deeper. Remember too that we are servants. Are we serving God? We may be busy or think we have no gifts, but those are not excuses. God will make opportunities for us to serve, if we only avail ourselves to Him in humility.

Remember that just as our Lord Jesus was persecuted, we too can be persecuted and should not be surprised.

Prayer:

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for loving us and saving us that we might be Your children. Help me remember O Lord, that I am saved to learn, and saved to serve as Your disciple. Give me great joy I pray, even as I seek to learn from You and serve You. Open doors of learning and serving for me.  Grant me more of Your Holy Spirit, that I may grow and learn more and more in You. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.