2:274 – I Learned From You

#faithbites #faithjourney #redletterchallenge learned

They say you learn by seeing and modeling others. I know this is a weird reference but there were a series of commercials back in the 80s about drug use. It showed a dad finding his kids stash and questioning him. The dad says, where did you learn about this. The kid says “I learned from watching you Dad. I learned from watching you.” Then it ends with the tagline “Parents who use drugs, have kids who use drugs?”

This is a long way to say that we learn our behaviors from what we see. In addition, we look up to our role models and try to emulate them.

In this case, we want to emulate Jesus. He is a servant leader and we want to serve because he served. Not because we will get anything out of it, but because we want to be like Jesus

Scripture

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” – Luke 12:12-14

Reflection

Jesus, said to serve those who can’t pay us back. That when we serve unselfishly, we do the greatest service. In the Jewish faith, there are a multitude of Mitzvahs, or good deeds. The highest mitzvah is to attend a funeral of a friend. Why? Because there is no way they could repay you.

If we go back to the beginning and the off color reference, we learn from Jesus. Let us then do, because it’s the right thing to do, rather than because we have to.

Challenge

Have you served someone without hope of repayment? Maybe you pay for someone’s drink in the Starbucks line or dinner in the drive through. You give us your seat on the plane to help someone get where they want to. This is how we serve like Christ.

Prayer

Lord, help us to serve by your example. You taught us over and over how to serve. Be with us as we try to emulate you. Service without repayment is the highest goal. Help us to always be mindful and serve like you did. In your name, Amen.