The Five Servants

“But whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” Matthew 20:26

Servant – What’s your conception of “servant”?  Are you a waiter, a volunteer, an employee, an assistant, a butler or maid, a public official or a slave?  Did you think all “servants” were the same?  English is sloppy where Greek isn’t.  If you know what Greek word is used, you realize there are five kinds of servants.  And then you know why Jesus chose this particular one.

All five words fall under the category “servant”.  Therapeuo shines a light on a servant’s willingness and concern.  This is the volunteer for a cause.  Latreuo is the servant for hire.  Leitourgeo is the public servant, the official.  Huperetes is the servant who assists.  Doulos is the slave.  And then there is the word in this verse.  Diakonos.  The emphasis here is on service motivated by love.

Diakonos, from which we derive the word “deacon”, is probably the only word we typically think of when it comes to “servant”.  That’s a shame.  Just look at the subtly of Jesus’ choice.  He could have suggested a servant for hire, or one who volunteers.  He could have pushed us toward public service or helpful assistance.  But instead, he chose the preciseness of a servant whose motive is love for others.  Are you stunned at the depth that slips through these torn English fishnets?  We just can’t capture it with one word, can we?

Now read this verse again.

“But whoever desires to become great among you, let him be one whose actions are completely motivated by love for others.”  Jesus’ consistent message.  Jesus’ living demonstration.  God’s heart revealed in my life.  The Servant of Man.

What does this say about you?  Do you serve from an unselfish desire for someone else’s benefit?  Or are you in it for your own agenda?  The external action might look the same.  I can give to the charity fund just as well as the next person.  But in God’s book, it’s the motive that matters.  God loves a cheerful giver.  All the rest need not apply.

Motive.  Motive.  Motive.  Two copper coins more valuable than a chest full of treasure.  Motive.  A cup of water more important than a banquet.  Motive.  One lost sheep of more concern than ninety-nine found.  Motive.

What kind of servant are you?