We’ve been talking the last few weeks about a “path for discipleship” here at our church. Path means a lot of different things to different people. Some people might interpret it like a formula—-start here, then go here, and you’ll end up here. I think we all know by now that God does not always work in such clear ways in our lives. Yes, there is a process to our growing in the knowledge and love of Christ. But it may start in different places, and it does not “end”—it matures and deepens—but does not “end.”

Perhaps the idea of an “ecosystem” (like a garden) is more helpful (see the link below for more: https://www.experiencerooted.com/2022/10/pathway-and-ecosystem-two-views-of-discipleship/).  

That is, when you enter into a garden, there are different plantings, but depending on where you enter, and where you are drawn, you may start and linger at one planting before another.  A community of followers in a church can be like that ecosystem, providing a variety of plantings to help people grow, but it depends on the person where they start and go next. 

Still, we can look at how Jesus brought people into discipleship and apprenticeship with him, and learn from Him.  He connected with people, taught them, and then sent them out to serve.  And serving is what I want to talk about today.  

It is clear from the gospels that Jesus intended his disciples to DO something with their apprenticeship to Him.  Early in his training of them, Jesus sent his disciples out to heal, preach, and cast out evil.  

The word Jesus chooses is diakonia, which has a connotation of table-service, as seen here:  “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”  Luke 22:27

Jesus’ followers would have seen daily the example of people sitting at table being seen as having greater honor in society, with those serving food and drink considered lower.  Jesus was telling (and showing) his disciples to adopt the attitude of being a servant, to seek the good of others by serving them.  

In our growing and learning from Jesus, we should reach a place where we begin to look for ways to serve others.  Regardless of the perceived status of the serving, followers of Jesus can grow into a place of seeking out opportunities to bless others.  Whether it be tangibly helping a family in crisis by making a meal, spending time with children in a nursery or volunteering in a school, visiting a home-bound friend, cleaning up a local park—there are countless ways to serve.  

What’s Your Serve?